Canada Study Permit Updates Feb 2026: New 90-Day Rule for ESL and Foundation Students
Are you planning to study in Canada from Nepal but your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is conditional on completing an English course or a foundation program?
Effective February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has changed the rules for "prerequisite" programs. At Everest View Edu Consult, we want to ensure you don't fall out of status. Here is everything you need to know about the new 90-day study permit rule.
1. What is the New 90-Day Rule?
Previously, if a Nepali student was admitted to a prerequisite program (like ESL) followed by a 4-year Bachelor’s, IRCC would often issue a study permit for the duration of the English course plus an extra year to allow for a smooth transition.
The 2026 Update:
Now, study permits for prerequisite courses will be issued only for the duration of that course plus 90 days. Example: If your ESL course in Toronto ends on September 1, 2026, your visa will expire on November 30, 2026.
2. Why Does This Matter for Nepali Students?
Many students from Nepal use "Pathway Programs" because they might have a slightly lower IELTS score or need academic bridging.
The Risk: You can no longer "relax" after finishing your English course. You must apply for a new study permit from within Canada to begin your main degree or diploma.
The Cost: You will need to pay for a study permit extension/new application (CAD 150) much sooner than expected.
3. How to Avoid Visa Issues in 2026
To maintain our status as an educational consultancy with high visa success rate, we recommend these three steps:
Apply Early from Nepal: Even if your course is less than 6 months, IRCC strongly advises applying for a study permit while in Nepal. If you enter as a visitor for a short course, you may not be able to apply for your main degree permit from inside Canada.
Monitor Your Completion Date: The 90-day countdown starts the moment you receive your completion letter or transcript from the ESL school, NOT the date printed on your visa.
Maintained Status: If you apply for your new permit before your 90-day buffer ends, you can stay in Canada and continue studying under "Maintained Status" while waiting for the new permit.
4. Financial Requirements: The 2026 Baseline
Don't forget that for any Canada student visa Nepal application in 2026, you must show you can meet the new cost-of-living requirement:
Single Applicant: $CAN 22,895 (Approx. NPR 21.5 Lakhs) for living expenses + first-year tuition and travel.