Study Permit Extension: Maintain Your Student Status

What is a study permit extension? It allows international students in Canada to extend their stay for educational purposes. When your initial study permit is about to expire, you must apply for an extension if you plan to continue studying. The extension ensures that your immigration status in Canada remains legal, allowing you to pursue further education without disruption.  

Most study permits are issued for the length of the study program, plus an additional 90 days, giving students time to prepare for departure or apply for an extension. Applying for this extension is crucial for staying in Canada legally and continuing your education.  Keep scrolling for information about eligibility, when to apply, fees, and changes to the International Student Program that were announced in November 2024.

In Canada, students should apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before their current permit expires. Ideally, you should start the process three months before the expiration date to ensure a smooth transition. If you apply before the expiration date, you will maintain your current student immigration status while your application is processed, allowing you to continue studying without interruption. Failing to apply in time may result in losing your student status, meaning you will no longer be able to study until you restore your status through a separate application. 

You will need to apply for a restoration of status within 90 days after your permit expires. During this time, you cannot study until your student status is restored.

What is the Eligibility for Extending Your Study Permit?  For international students in Canada, to be eligible for a study permit extension, you must:

1. Hold a valid study permit at the time of application. 

2. Be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI). 

3. Meet all the conditions of your current permit (e.g., you must have sufficient financial support, and continued enrollment in a DLI). 

4. Ensure that your passport remains valid for the duration of your intended study permit extension. 

If your school is no longer on the DLI list, you must transfer to another eligible institution to extend your permit. Additionally, your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport’s expiry date, so be sure your travel documents are up to date. 

1. Create an IRCC Secure Account:

• Read the immigration instruction guide carefully. Use either GCKey or Sign-in Partner to apply through the IRCC Secure Account.

2. Gather your required documents:

• Proof of enrollment: Obtain a letter from your school confirming your enrollment in a future term.

• Financial proof: You need to show proof of financial support, covering at least one year’s tuition and living expenses. Find out what the latest rules are.

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the length of the requested extension.

3. Fill out the requisite form:

• Download the latest version of the application form, fill it out correctly, and validate it. Common errors such as missing information or outdated forms can delay the process.

Biometrics: If you have not provided biometrics in the past 10 years, you will be required to submit them again as part of your application. Biometrics include fingerprints and photos, which are collected at designated Service Canada locations. 

Fees: The fee for a study permit extension is $150. If biometrics are needed, an additional $85 is required. If you are restoring your status, the total fee will be $389.75, which includes both the study permit extension fee and the restoration fee.  Remember to always check the IRCC website for updates.

The processing time for study permit extensions can vary. You should regularly check the official IRCC website for current processing timelines. Keep in mind that processing times may increase during peak periods. Check the current estimated processing time for study permit extensions. 

If you apply before your permit expires, you are legally allowed to continue studying and working in Canada under the same conditions as your previous permit until you receive a decision from IRCC.

If your application is still processing after your current permit expires, you are allowed to remain in Canada and continue studying under-maintained status. 

While under-maintained status, you can continue to study and work. However, if you leave Canada while on maintained status, you will not be authorized to resume studying or working until you have a valid study permit. You will have to ensure that you have the required travel documents to return to Canada. 

While your study permit extension application is being processed, you are allowed to work both on-campus and off-campus as per the conditions of your original study permit. Once you graduate, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, it is important to apply for the PGWP within 90 days of receiving confirmation that you have completed your program.  

Find out more about the new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) language requirements 

If your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you can apply to restore your status within 90 days. However, during this restoration period, you are not allowed to study. You can resume your studies in Canada once your status is restored. 

If you fail to restore your status within the 90-day window, you may face consequences such as being banned from applying for a study permit, or deportation.

Study permit extensions may be refused under some circumstances, the most common being a student's failure to provide evidence of continuous full-time or part-time studies at a designated learning institution (DLI). This is a crucial requirement that must be met by every applicant. Other reasons for refusal include insufficient proof of financial support to cover tuition, living expenses, and transportation. 

Immigration authorities may also refuse an extension if they find inconsistencies or inaccuracies in an application, or lack of clarity in a student's study plan. Students should offer strong reasons for an extension. Finally, an application may be refused if it is submitted too close to the start date indicated in the enrollment letter, if the enrollment letter has expired, or if it exceeds the study permit extension stated time. 

If your study permit is set to expire while you are travelling outside Canada, you must apply for an extension before leaving. Re-entering Canada without a valid study permit could result in being denied entry. If you have applied for an extension but do not have the new permit yet, you will need proof of your application (letter of introduction or IRCC confirmation) to return to Canada. 

Once your study permit extension application has been approved, you will receive an approval notice letter in your online account. Immigration Canada will mail the actual study permit to your mailing address.

International students who have completed eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years. The PGWP allows students to gain valuable work experience, which can significantly enhance their career prospects and help them transition to permanent residency. 

In November 2024, Canada announced new International Student Program regulations to align with the country’s long-term economic goals. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session. International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or winter break between semesters. Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions.

We hope this overview can help you navigate the Canada study permit application or extension process with ease. It is based on information from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, which you can access yourself here.

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