September 17th, 2023 at 07:56 am
Extending your Canadian study permit | Student Permit Extension Guide
International students have many reasons to study in Canada. A world-class education at a lower cost than in the US, UK, or Australia, a growing multicultural environment, and the possibility of applying for permanent residence after graduation are some of the reasons.
This article covers student permit extensions. This information will help:
- Who are studying in Canada on a valid study permit OR
- Whose permit has expired.
Canada Student Visa Validity Period
Every study permit that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gives out has an expiry date. This date tells you when you must finish your studies and leave Canada.
Permits show expiration dates. Your study program length plus 90 days is usually given. You have 90 days to prepare to leave Canada or stay longer. A study permit cannot be issued after your passport expires.
A study permit may expire before the stated date. Two examples are:
- If you finish your studies early, your student permit will expire 90 days after you finish or on the date on the permit. The 90 days begin when you receive your degree, diploma, or certificate, or when your school sends you the first notification that you completed your program.
- Your study permit will expire on the 150th day if you have not completed your program and take an authorized leave of absence of more than 150 days or stop studying without intending to return. You must leave Canada or change your status within this timeframe.
When to extend your study permit?
Situation 1: Your study permit expires soon and you want to continue studying in Canada.
Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your student permit expires to continue studying. You may want to apply even earlier—current study permit extension processing times are here. You can’t extend your study permit if your passport expires, so make sure it doesn’t.
Leave Canada if your study permit expires without an extension. If your study permit is still valid, you can change your status to visitor or worker and stay in Canada.
Moreover, If you apply for an extension before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada under the same conditions until a decision is made. If you leave Canada before your new permit is issued, you will lose this authorization and must wait to resume your studies.
Situation 2: Your study permit has expired and you want to continue studying in Canada.
You may be able to apply to restore your status in Canada if your study permit has expired and you have not applied to extend it. If you apply to restore your student status, you cannot study until your permit is issued. If you cannot restore your status, leave Canada and apply for a study permit abroad.
Application Process for a Study Permit Extension
Make sure your school is on the DLI list before applying to extend your study permit. Until your permit expires, you can study at a non-DLI school. Joining a DLI extends your study permit.
Most study permit extensions are done online. If you need large print or braille forms, IRCC can provide them.
Online applications require:
- Scanner or camera to digitize documents.
- Valid credit or debit card.
Your study permit application will pre-populate a checklist, but you must make sure it includes everything in the predefined document checklist and the items listed under “Gather the Documents” in the instruction guide.
Situation 1: Your study permit expires soon and you want to continue studying in Canada.
1. Read the instructions:
Read the instructions before applying. The guide details form field completion.
2. Create or log into your IRCC online account:
Online applications require accounts. Your account lets you submit, pay, and check your application status.
3. Fill out the online tool’s responses:
To check your eligibility to extend your study permit, you must answer online questions before uploading your application. If so, IRCC will use your answers to create a customized document checklist.
Complete all application sections. Except for your name (last name and given name), write “Not Applicable” or “NA” if a question or section does not apply to you. Incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed.
4. Pay the fees:
Before applying online, IRCC requires fees. Online payments only. IRCC will return your application if you send any other payment. You and anyone on your application will usually pay processing fees.
How much does study permit extensions cost?
Current fees:
- Study permit (extensions): $150 CAD per person
- Restore student status: $350 CAD
When you apply, you must pay the biometrics fee if you must provide fingerprints and a photo.
- Biometrics: $85 CAD each.
- Biometrics per family: $170 CAD.
5. Submit Application:
Online submission is possible after application completion and payment. After reviewing your application, IRCC’s Case Processing Centre will decide if you can extend your permit.
If your application is completed, The Case Processing Centre will send you either:
- If your application is accepted, a visitor record, work permit, or study permit;
- A rejection letter or a referral to a local Canada Immigration Centre.
- If your application is referred to a local office, they will contact you for more information and possibly an interview. Their response may take three months.
After IRCC receives the additional information or clarification, the local office will finish processing and mail you their decision.
Student permit applications take 119 days. Log into your IRCC account to check your application status online.
Situation 2: Your study permit has expired and you want to continue studying in Canada.
While in Canada, you may be able to apply for a study permit and restore your student status.
Restoring your student status requires:
- Submit your application within 90 days (see Situation 1).
- Select both in Step 3’s application form:
- Initial or extended study permits and
- student temporary resident status restoration
- Explain your status loss and why you overstayed in Canada.
- Maintain your stay requirements.
- Meet all permit conditions except expiration.
- Pay the correct application fees
Your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children may also need status restoration.
Be informed and follow IRCC’s application guides for a student permit, work permit, or temporary resident visa. If you’re confused, consult an immigration consultant or lawyer.
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