Canada Just Changed Student Visa Rules: What International Students Must Do Now

If you’re an international student in Canada or planning to study here, two major policy updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just changed the game—and you need to know about them before it’s too late.

In December 2025, IRCC released critical updates that affect how long you can legally stay in Canada after finishing prerequisite programs and whether you’ll qualify for a work permit after graduation. These aren’t minor tweaks. They’re significant changes that could mean the difference between continuing your education or scrambling to leave the country.

Here’s everything you need to know, explained in plain English.

What Just Changed?

IRCC issued two separate updates to their internal program delivery instructions—the guidelines immigration officers use when reviewing your applications. Think of these as the rulebook officers follow when deciding your case.

Update #1: Study permits for pathway and prerequisite programs now expire much faster than before.

Update #2: New clarifications on who qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and what exceptions exist.

Let’s break down exactly what each update means for you.

The Big Change: Your Study Permit Now Expires in 90 Days (Not One Year)

What Changed

Previously, if you were enrolled in a prerequisite or pathway program—like English language courses or academic upgrading—your study permit would typically last for the duration of your program plus one full year.

That cushion just got a lot smaller.

Under the new guidance, these permits now expire just 90 days after your program ends.

Who This Affects

This change impacts students in:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
• French as a Second Language (FSL) programs
• Academic upgrading courses
• Conditional admission or pathway programs
• Preparatory programs required before your main degree or diploma

These programs are incredibly common. Thousands of international students take them to meet language requirements or academic prerequisites before starting their primary studies.

Why IRCC Made This Change

The shift reflects IRCC’s broader effort to ensure study permits align with actual academic activity. The government wants to close what they see as loopholes—situations where students maintain legal status for extended periods without actively pursuing education.

The new 90-day window is designed to cover only essential tasks:

• Applying for your next study permit
• Receiving acceptance for your main program
• Submitting extension paperwork
• Leaving Canada if your studies don’t continue

What You Must Do Now

If you’re in a pathway or prerequisite program, treat that 90-day deadline seriously. Here’s your action plan:

Before your program ends:

• Secure your acceptance letter for the next program
• Gather all required documents for your study permit extension
• Understand the exact date your current program officially ends

Immediately after completion:

• Submit your study permit extension application as soon as possible
• Don’t wait for “the right time”—delays could cost you your legal status

Remember: Maintained status (the ability to stay legally while your application is processed) only applies if you submit your application before your permit expires. Miss that deadline, and you could lose your legal right to stay in Canada.

PGWP Rules Just Got Clearer (And Better for Some Students)

The second major update focuses on Post-Graduation Work Permits—the holy grail for international students who want to work in Canada after graduation.

What’s a PGWP?

A PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. It’s a crucial stepping stone toward permanent residence for many students.

Key Clarifications That Help You

IRCC’s December update cleared up confusion that had been causing application rejections. Here are the most important changes:

1. College and University Graduates Now Treated Equally

There used to be ambiguity about whether college diploma graduates faced different requirements than university graduates. That’s over.

As of March 2025:

• Language requirements are identical for both college and university graduates
• Field-of-study requirements apply consistently to both groups
• Assessment frameworks are standardized across all institution types

2. Maintained Status Now Counts

This is huge. IRCC explicitly confirmed that if you applied to extend your study permit before it expired and were waiting for a decision, that time counts toward your PGWP eligibility—even if your permit technically expired while you were waiting.

You’re eligible if:

• You held valid study authorization at any point during the 180 days after completing your program
• You applied for an extension before your permit expired
• You remained in Canada and didn’t violate your permit conditions

3. Protection for Students Who Started Before November 2024

If you applied for your initial study permit before November 1, 2024, you’re exempt from the new field-of-study requirement—even if you later applied for extensions after that date.

This protects students who made their study decisions before the policy changed.

Language Requirements Explained Simply

For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, you need to prove language proficiency:

For degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD):

• CLB 7 in English OR NCLC 7 in French

For college programs and non-degree credentials:

• CLB 5 in English OR NCLC 5 in French

You must meet these levels in all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Exemptions exist if:

• You applied for your PGWP before November 1, 2024
• You graduated from a flight school
• You’re applying for a PGWP extension due to passport expiry
• You’re requesting a change in PGWP conditions

Who Needs to Pay Attention Right Now?

These updates particularly affect:

✓ Students completing ESL/FSL or pathway programs in 2025-2026

✓ College diploma graduates planning to apply for PGWPs

✓ Anyone who completed studies while on maintained status

✓ Students whose original study permit was applied for before November 2024

✓ Graduates from applied or career-focused programs

Your Action Checklist

Here’s exactly what you should do today:

If You’re in a Pathway/Prerequisite Program:

1. Calculate your exact program end date
2. Start your next study permit application process immediately
3. Don’t rely on the old one-year buffer—you have 90 days
4. Set calendar reminders for 60 days and 30 days after program completion
5. Keep all documentation organized and ready to submit

If You’re Planning to Apply for a PGWP:

1. Check if you applied for your initial study permit before November 1, 2024 (if yes, you’re exempt from field-of-study requirements)
2. Confirm your program was at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution
3. Ensure you maintained full-time status throughout your program (except possibly your final semester)
4. Prepare for language testing if required
5. Apply within 180 days of program completion

If Your Study Permit Expired While Waiting for a Decision:

1. Don’t panic—you may still be eligible for a PGWP
2. Gather proof that you applied for an extension before expiry
3. Document your maintained status period
4. Include this information in your PGWP application

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I work while waiting for my PGWP decision?

Yes, but only if you meet specific conditions: you completed an eligible program, applied within 180 days of completion, had a valid study permit when you applied, and met all work authorization conditions.

Q: What if I studied part-time near the end of my program?

That’s generally acceptable if it was during your final academic session and your institution permitted it. Just ensure you maintained full-time status throughout the rest of your program.

Q: Do I need language testing if I studied in English?

Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Studying in English doesn’t automatically exempt you from proving language proficiency for your PGWP application.

The Bottom Line

Canada’s immigration system is getting stricter but also clearer. These December 2025 updates remove ambiguity, but they also reduce your margin for error.

The 90-day study permit validity for pathway programs means you can’t afford to procrastinate. The PGWP clarifications bring good news for many students—especially those affected by maintained status issues—but only if you understand how the rules apply to your specific situation.

The key takeaway? Don’t assume anything based on what you’ve heard from friends or outdated online forums. These rules changed in December 2025, and operating on old information could cost you your legal status or your work permit eligibility.

If you’re unsure about your specific situation, consult with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer who stays current with IRCC policy updates.

Your future in Canada depends on getting these details right—and the clock is already ticking.

Need Help?

If you’re navigating these changes and need personalized guidance:

• Visit the official IRCC website
• Consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
• Contact your designated learning institution’s international student office
• Review IRCC’s program delivery instructions for the most current information

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules can change. Always verify information with official IRCC sources or qualified professionals.