Fresh visa policy affects Nigerian students in Canada

Canada has changed its study permit rules for international students, including Nigerians. The new rule affects students who must complete preparatory courses before starting their main academic programmes.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that study permits for preparatory courses will now be valid only for the length of the course plus 90 extra days.

Preparatory courses include pre-degree programmes, bridging courses, and language training such as English as a Second Language (ESL). These courses are required before students can begin their main degree or diploma programmes.

For example, if a student is admitted into a four-year degree programme but must first complete a four-month English course, the study permit will cover the four months plus an additional 90 days. After finishing the preparatory course, the student must apply for a new study permit for the main programme.

If the student applies for the new permit while still in Canada, they can continue studying under what is called “maintained status” while waiting for approval.

The department also explained that students must get a study permit for preparatory courses even if the course lasts less than six months, if it is required for admission into a longer programme.

Previously, students were given study permits valid for the course duration plus an extra 12 months. This gave them more time to gain admission into their main programme and apply for a new permit without interruption.

Students already in Canada may still apply for a study permit from within the country in certain cases. This includes those who:

Have a valid study or work permit

Are spouses or dependents of permit holders

Are exchange or visiting students

Have a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more

Have a pending permanent residence application

Are refugee claimants or family members of refugee claimants

Canadian authorities say the new timeline will help students move more quickly into their main academic programmes.

The update is part of broader immigration changes in Canada. The country recently introduced five priority talent categories under its 2026 Express Entry system.

These categories target highly skilled workers such as medical doctors with Canadian experience, researchers, senior managers, transport professionals, skilled foreign military recruits, and workers in healthcare, social services, skilled trades, and those with French-language skills.

Canada has also increased the minimum work experience requirement in key jobs to 12 months and removed cooks from the trade occupation list.