Extending Canadian Study Permit – The Complete Guide
You are responsible for ensuring your study permit is still valid during your studies in Canada. To keep your immigration status valid, you must keep track of your study validity. Suppose your permit is about to expire before you complete your study program. You must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to extend your student visa to Canada before that date. This is called applying for extending Canadian study permit (renewal) of your status as a student. You must be living in Canada to be eligible for an extension.
How long before I should apply to extend student visa Canada?
It is recommended that international students apply for an extension three to four months before the current permit expires if they want to extend their study permit. If you submit your application early enough, you can stay in Canada until you hear back from the IRCC under the terms of your current one.Â
Can I work if I apply to renew study permit?
Maintaining your current status is crucial, so you must apply for an extension before your study permit in Canada expires. This will allow you to stay in the country. If you have yet to receive your new permit, staying in Canada and not leaving is essential. This indicates that you will only be a temporary resident while IRCC considers your application. You can continue to study and work off-campus until a decision is made on your application. This is known as ‘Implied Status.’ extending Canadian study permit before it expires. This is because you’ve maintained your current status. If you haven’t received your new permit, stay in Canada and don’t leave. This indicates that you will only be a temporary resident while IRCC considers your application. You can continue to study and work off-campus until a decision is made on your application. This is known as “Implied Status.”Â
First and foremost, it’s essential to verify the expiration date on your passport. Your permit’s validity period must be, at most, the duration of your passport. Therefore, ensuring that your passport validity is longer than the duration you request on your application is crucial.Â
You lost your status in Canada if you didn’t apply to renew your permit before its expiration. You must apply for restoration of status Canada and a new one before you can resume or continue your studies. You must immediately cease studying (and working). You have two choices if you don’t apply before your permit expires:Â
1- To restore your status and extend your study permit
Applying to restore your status or renew study permit must be done within 90 days. After your current permit expires, you will be ineligible to study or work (if you are permitted to do so with your previous one). You won’t be able to continue your studies until the IRCC has granted your application for an extension. This application may be challenging. We recommend you seek guidance from an RCIC
2- Leave Canada and submit a new permit application from your home country.
How to extend study permit in Canada?
There are two choices for extending Canadian study permit, applying online or on paper:Â
How to renew permit in Canada on paper?
If you submit a paper application, you must complete and sign the applicable forms, include all required supporting documents, provide evidence that your application fees have been paid, and deliver your package to the IRCC processing center’s mail address. Make sure you fill out the application form, the document checklist, and the supporting documents if you apply on paper. The step-by-step IRCC instructions make completing the form and attaching supporting documentation easier. Because applications on paper take longer to process, it is not advised.Â
How to extend study permit in Canada online?
When you apply online, you’ll fill out a questionnaire, make a personal checklist code, register for or connect to your MYCIC account, and instantly get a list of the required application forms and supporting documentation. The forms must be printed, filled out, signed, and scanned. After that, you must upload them to your IRCC account with all required supporting files. Additionally, you will have to use a credit card to pay the fee online. Online applications provide quicker processing times and greater convenience.Â
ARNIKA VISA would recommend you apply online, as processing times are always quicker than when applying on paper. Â
How long does it take to renew a permit in Canada?
Since the application procedure could take several months, submitting your application as soon as possible is crucial. Verify study visa extension processing time at the IRCC processing times website. It is updated every week. If your application is approved, your Permit will be mailed to you at the address you provided to the CIC.Â
How much does it cost to extend Canadian study permit?
There’s a CAN$ 200 fee to restore your status and a CAN$ 150 fee for the new permit. If you are required to submit biometrics, you must pay an additional fee of $85.Â
Documents required for extending study permit Canada
- Application form: The application is to change conditions, renew my status, or continue studying in Canada.
- Â UCI: Your UCI, also known as your ‘Client ID,’ is a vital identifier, especially if you already hold a study and work permit. It plays a crucial role in your application process.
- Document Number: The document number, which starts with a letter (F or U) followed by nine numbers, is a unique identifier on study or work permits.Â
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is an essential requirement for your application. It’s important to remember to renew it six months before it expires to avoid any delays in your application process.Â
- Proof of financial support while studying in Canada: Study Visa extension proof of funds must be a bank statement, bank draft, or other evidence that demonstrates you have enough money (in Canadian dollars) to sustain yourself while studying in Canada, including school tuition + CAD 10,000 (for living expenses). Include their letter of support and documentation proving sufficient cash in their name if a family member, organization, or other entity is paying for your education. If your spouse is travelling with you to Canada, you must show proof of an extra $4,000 and $3,000 for each additional dependent.Â
- Proof of current/upcoming enrolment: Graduate students must complete this form to request a letter confirming their enrollment and anticipated graduation date.Â
- Letter of Acceptance: (Letter of Enrollment/registration for returning students) International students returning to the university must present a letter from the registrar’s office confirming their enrollment or registration. Only those enrolling directly from a Canadian high school or transferring from another university must submit an acceptance letter. Send the Letter Request Form to have the letter posted or made available for pick-up.Â
- Proof of Medical Exam (if Applicable): You are only required to present evidence of a medical exam if you have had one performed within the previous 12 months by a CIC-authorized panel physician (doctor) or if you have spent more than six months living in a designated country or territory within the last 12 months.Â
- An explanation letter: In some circumstances, you might need to attach an explanatory note or additional support from your faculty. This letter can provide context to any unusual circumstances or discrepancies in your application, helping the authorities understand your situation better. If you need to submit these other documents with your application, you are encouraged to speak with an RCIC first to ensure your explanation is clear and effective.Â
- Client details (Optional): Include a letter of justification and supplementary papers to strengthen your case.Â
Can I extend my co-op work permit?
If you are a student enrolled in a co-op program, you can apply for extending Canadian study permit (if it is due to expire) and your co-op work permit using a single application form.Â
What happens after a permit extension approval?
Before approving your application, an IRCC officer will determine whether you have complied with the requirements of your permit. You will be notified through email and have a letter in your online account if the officer needs extra documentation to make their decision. Before the deadline, you must respond; otherwise, your application will be rejected. You can send an inquiry using the IRCC Web Form if your application takes longer than the current IRCC processing times. You’ll get a letter in your online account when your extension application is approved. The permit will be mailed to your Canadian mailing address by IRCC. After receiving your new permit, you can apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa if you require one to travel abroad.
How do I restore my status as a student in Canada?
You must immediately stop studying and working and visit the RCIC for help if you don’t apply for extending Canadian study permita before it expires. Within 90 days of losing your status, you can request to have it restored from within Canada. The processing period can last many months and varies. Your application to reg restore your situation is not guaranteed to be approved. Until you hear from IRCC regarding the outcome of your application, you are not permitted to leave the country. You cannot apply to restore your status from outside of Canada
How long can I stay in Canada after a permit expires?
You must leave the country and apply for a new study permit from your home country if more than 90 days have passed since the expiration date of your permit and you haven’t requested its restoration. Your application to renew your study permit could be subject to a 6-month ban. To acquire guidance on gathering the necessary documents before departing the country, consult the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) immediately.Â
You cannot continue studying or working if your permit has expired. Following expiration, you will still have 90 days to apply for a “restoration of status.” The procedure is the same as renewing the permit. However, there are $200 more costs. Each member of your family who lost their status is subject to this cost.Â
You must explain why you must remain after your current one expires and why you did not apply before it expired. Of course, it is assumed that you have been admitted to a Designated Learning Institution for this application to restore status.Â
If you stay in Canada after your permit expires for over 90 days, you’ll undoubtedly be prohibited from returning for a while as you are overstaying in Canada. So, if you have a letter of acceptance to continue your studies in Canada, you should leave before the 90-day window closes and reapply.
What are study permit conditions in Canada?
All permit holders in Canada are required to actively pursue their studies, which means they must continue to be enrolled and make steady progress toward finishing their programs. If you don’t, you risk being removed from Canada. Ninety days after you finish your studies, your study visa expires. Your program is deemed completed when you get written confirmation from the Registrar’s Office (such as an official letter).Â
Can I change my program, college, or university?
You can change between programs and institutions if you have a current study permit for post-secondary education. However, you must notify CIC via their MyCIC account if you are changing designated learning institutions.Â
Extending Study Permit In Canada FAQs
If you want to continue studying, you must apply for a extend study permit at least 30 days before it expires. Check that your passport and visa do not both expire at the same time. Your study permit cannot be extended past the expiration date of your passport.
Processing times vary and can last several months. On February 7, 2023, the current processing times for a Study Permit extension are approximately 150 days if done online and 125 days if done on paper. The processing times can be found here. You need to select “temporary residence (Visiting, studying, working)” then “Study Permit Extension.”
Yes. You are permitted to remain in Canada as a temporary resident until the IRCC makes a decision on your new permit application.
If you do not apply to extend study permit by the deadline, your application will be rejected. If you apply for an extension before your current study permit expires, you may continue to study even if your previous study permit expires while you wait.
There’s a $150.00 CAD fee and $85.00 CAD for biometrics. (If applicable)
You will be unable to continue or restart your studies until we have restored your status and issued you a new study permit. You have 90 days to apply to have your status restored and your permit extended. The fee for restoring your status is CAN$ 200, and the fee for the new study permit is CAN$ 150.
It’s highly recommended that you apply 3 to 4 months before your current study permit expires.
The IRCC will mail the new study permit to your current mailing address in Canada once your study permit extension is approved. Verify your information and keep a digital copy of your new study permit if you need to apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
If you have not applied to extend study permit and it has been more than 90 days since the expiry date, you must leave the country and apply for a new study permit from your country of residence/citizenship.
- Application form
- UCI
- Document Number
- Valid Passport
- Proof of financial support while studying in Canada
- Proof of current/upcoming enrolment
- Letter of Acceptance
- Proof of Medical Exam (if Applicable)
- An explanation letter
While you cannot renew your student visa, you can apply for a new one if your current one expires before you finish your course.
90 days. If you complete your studies before your study permit expires (you complete your studies early), your study permit will no longer be valid 90 days after you complete your studies, regardless of the date printed on the study permit.
There is no statutory limit to how many times a person can extend their student status.
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If you apply to extend study permit while on maintained status, you will be unable to work in Canada until you receive a valid PGWP. You could also wait for your study permit to be processed before applying for the PGWP.
You may apply for one extension, including your current program length and your next acceptance letter.
If you do not have the proper travel visa or identity documents, the IRCC will reject your study permit visa. Because the IRCC must identify and determine whether you are criminally or medically inadmissible, your application will be denied.
The entire process must begin approximately 3 to 4 months before your documents expire. So, we recommend applying for an extension 3 to 4 months before it expires.
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If you are abroad and your visa is about to expire, you can renew it to re-enter the country. Typically, you must wait for your visa to expire before renewing it.
To extend your student visa in Canada, you must apply for a new one before your current one expires. If you do not, you risk being deported, and your future visa applications may be denied. So, don’t put it off.
We recommend applying for a stay extension at least 45 days before your current permit expires. If you were lawfully admitted to Canada, you might apply to extend your stay.
Yes. You may leave Canada and return if your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) has expired, we recommend applying for and receiving a new one before departing.
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The expiration date of your SIN generally corresponds to the expiry date of your Canadian status, such as your study permit. If you have maintained your status, you may continue to work with your expired SIN until you receive a response from IRCC.
If your application is denied while you are on implied status, you will be out of status in Canada immediately and effectively. As a result, given that you are out of status in Canada, you may need to leave as soon as possible.
If you want to stay in Canada longer, you must apply to extend study permit at least 30 days before your current status expires.
In most cases, you can renew your visa at any time within 30 days before its expiration. You can apply for special permission six months earlier if you have a legitimate reason.
Yes. If you apply for an extension on time, you may be allowed to stay in Canada as a temporary resident until IRCC decides on your new permit application.
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Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after you complete your studies (even if it is before your study permit’s expiry date) or on your study permit’s expiry date. If you intend to stay in Canada after finishing your studies, make sure you have valid Canadian status; otherwise, you will be out of status in Canada and must leave.
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In most cases, you can apply to renew your visa at any time within 30 days of its expiry. If you need to apply up to 1 year earlier than this for a legitimate reason, you can apply for special permission to do so if your current visa is valid.
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The proof of financial support must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your studies and living expenses for a year. You must have at least 10,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD), plus $4,000 for a spouse and $3,000 for each additional dependent family member (Child).
You must apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing your status. You must leave Canada if you do not. You cannot continue your studies until the IRCC restores your student status in Canada and extends your study permit.
90 days. The visa holders have 90 days after the end of their program to leave Canada.
How Can Arnika Visa Help You To Get Your Canada Study Visa?
At Arnika Visa, we help you find the most tailored strategy to get a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), TRP (Temporary Resident Permit) or PR (Permanent Residency) to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC Canada on your behalf as an authorized representative.Â
Our guidance, recommendations, and assistance will help you with your visa application process. Our RCIC and his expert team are knowledgeable and have expertise in assisting clients with visa applications. We will precisely review, draft and finalize your visa application materials. To prepare solid and well-documented applications that adequately reflect the purposes of your visit to Canada and support the issuance of a Canada student visa, Arnika Visa We provide you:
- Private Secure Cloud-Based Online Data Collection and Document Sharing and Management: Clients can see online the secured case we present for their application, empowering them to review the forms and supporting documents before submitting their application to the IRCC.
- Professional Representation: You will likely only submit the documents listed on the IRCC document checklist. Simply providing those documents is often insufficient to convince the IRCC visa officer that you will return to your home country after your visit and meet other conditions for obtaining a student visa. Presenting more evidence than what the IRCC requires is often a good idea. To address the visa officer’s concerns regarding your prior application, we, as your authorized representative (RCIC), can help you submit a more convincing application to IRCC.
- Submission letter: On your behalf, our immigration consultant will write and submit a submission letter with the application. This letter will address the grounds for visa approval, ensuring a thorough application process. Arnika Visa typically drafts a 4-5 page submission letter presenting each client’s application, highlighting the necessary facts to address all reasons for visa acceptance.
- Using Authorized Paid Representative Portal: This portal allows authorized paid representatives (APRs) to complete, pay for, and submit online applications on behalf of their clients. The IRCC visa officer can see the application is submitted through an authorized Representative Portal, including a well-drafted personalized submission letter. In most cases, working with an expert RCIC to prepare and resubmit a solid application and presenting the case leads to approval.
- Benefiting Expertise of Professional RCIC: The IRCC visa officers realize that RCICs are well-informed about immigration regulations and know procedural fairness and due diligence procedures that IRCC officers must follow. If not, the client will request a federal court review of the visa officer’s fairness and reasonableness decision.
We can help if you’ve been denied your application for a Canada student visa. If you wish to apply for a Canada Study Visa or were refused a student visa to Canada, don’t hesitate to contact our Immigration firm for professional help. At Arnika Visa, we can assist you in getting the Canada Student Visa through our expertise to guide you in the right direction. Finally, we can handle your entire Canadian immigration process.
I was rejected three times for a study visa, and now we only have the last refusal letter; my applications are with the student recruitment agency. Is there anything that can be done, resubmit or appeal?
With your latest refusal letter, we strongly suggest a thorough assess the reasons for the refusal with an RCIC who is an expert on rejection. They may consider a strategic resubmission, address any issues raised, or explore appeal options if applicable. They can find the most effective path forward for your case.
My wife has applied for her study permit extension. We are yet to get a feedback from ircc. Also I applied for my work permit extension along with my wife application. What do we do?
Monitor your IRCC account for updates. With timely applications, you’re on implied status, allowing you to continue studying and working until decisions are made.
I find myself in a distressing situation as I am currently out of status. As a student visa holder, I missed the 90-day window to apply for restoration after my visa expired. This was a result of a misunderstanding about my visa expiration date, compounded by the fact that I was struggling with depression at the time. I am in desperate need of assistance.Â
Contact an immigration lawyer immediately to explore options like applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or seeking legal advice on possible restoration alternatives.
I’m on implied status and am awaiting a study permit extension. I’m travelling outside Canada and must apply for an ETA visa, as my current one has expired.
When l return and Re-enter on an ETA visa, will that affect the process or application status for the Study permit visa? And will my implied status be affected?
Yes, re-entering Canada on an eTA will end your implied status. You’ll need to wait outside Canada for your study permit extension to be approved before you can return as a student.
Hello, sir. I am so worried and confused because I applied for a study permit extension. My study permit expired on 30 July, but I’m still waiting for it. My studies were completed on 18 August; I got my transcript and letter of completion from the college. I stopped working when I got my transcripts. Now I want to apply for a work permit but can’t.i called IRCc they told me if you apply on implied status then you have to wait till the final decision of work permit. I can’t even work I need a valid study permit to apply for a work permit. Please, sir, tell me what I should do now.
You have a couple of options: 1- To restore your status as you are in 90 days of the day you lost your status, and once approved, then apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). 2-Wait for your SP extension application result, and then apply for PGWP. Lastly, consider seeking legal advice to resolve this situation.