As international students pursue their academic endeavors in Canada, there may arise situations where extending their study permit becomes necessary. A study permit extension refers to the process of renewing your study permit to continue your studies in Canada beyond the permit’s original expiration date. Students need to apply for a study permit extension before their current permit expires to maintain their legal status in the country for an uninterrupted enrolment in their academic program and legal status in the country.
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When to apply for an extension:
When considering a study permit extension in Canada, it’s advisable to apply at least 30 to 60 days before the current permit’s expiration date. The expiration date on your study permit, usually mentioned in the top right corner, signifies the end of your authorized study period in Canada, typically aligning with your program’s duration plus an additional 90-day grace period. This buffer period allows for preparations to either depart the country or consider extending your stay in Canada.
Ensuring that your passport remains valid beyond the permit’s expiration date is crucial, as the permit cannot extend beyond the passport’s validity. In case of Passport expiry before the completion of the program, it is needed to be renewed, and then advised to apply for a study permit extension. Applying before the permit’s expiration allows you to maintain your current study conditions until a decision is reached, provided you remain in Canada during this period.
Who needs to apply for an extension:
Various reasons may prompt an international student to seek a study permit extension, including program extensions, incomplete programs, degree upgrades, medical or personal reasons, co-op or internship extensions, delayed thesis or dissertation completion, changes in program or institution, and spousal or dependent extensions.
How to Apply – The process:
Applications for study permit extension can be submitted online through the IRCC website or by mail from within the country. Online applications are often faster and more convenient, allowing students to track the status of their application electronically.
Step1: Gather the required documents:
The documents required for study permit extension in Canada are:
- Proof of Acceptance – From a DLI, could be a letter of acceptance or a photocopy of a transcript or letter from the registrar.
- Proof of Identity – Passport/Government ID Card/ Birth Certificate/Immigration Document/ Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of Finances – A Canadian Bank Statement showing your bank balance (with your name and account number)/Scholarship letter or Canadian-funded educational program letter copy/ a letter from a family member or a friend with proof of their support for your expenses/proof of employment(with employment details and payslips).
- Digital Photocopies – The application requires you to upload a digital photo of yours.
- You might need a medical exam report, family information form, and others depending on specific circumstances.
Step 2: Complete the application:
Once you start an application on the website/portal, you must
- Set up a MyCIC account on the IRCC website.
- Fill out the questionnaire to generate a checklist of application forms and necessary documents.
- Upon questionnaire completion, you’ll be directed to a screen titled “Your document checklist.
Complete the most current version of IRCC form IMM 5709 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student) and other forms that are deemed applicable to one application. Refer Document checklist here. Review and validate your form, and take screenshots along the way as you apply if needed just in case.
Step 3: Pay your Fees:
When you apply online, you’ll be prompted to pay a Processing Fee for each service needed, which must accompany your application. Also note, that to process your fees online within your account, you’ll need a valid international credit card.
| Application | $CAD |
| Study permit (including extensions) – per person | $150 |
| Biometrics fees | $CAD |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people) The maximum fee for a family of 2 or more individuals applying simultaneously at the same location | $170 |
Be certain of your eligibility before paying the fees and supplying all requested information before submitting your application. Please be aware that the processing fee is non-refundable once the Case Processing Centre commences processing, regardless of the final decision. If your eligibility is found to be inadequate, your application will be marked as “processed,” and your fees will not be reimbursed. Should you reapply, you will be required to repay the application fees.
Step 4: Submit the Application:
To complete your application, you’ll require:
- A camera or scanner to create/generate electronic copies of your documents.
- An international valid credit or debit card for payment.
You need to set up an online account profile and log in using either GCKey or Sign In Partner credentials. Opt for the IRCC secure account when extending your study permit. Even if you previously applied for your initial study permit using a different account, utilize the secure account for the extension. An account is necessary for online applications, allowing you to pay fees, submit applications, and monitor your status.
Alternatively, students can opt for the traditional mail-in method. While the primary method for extending your study permit is an online application, you may qualify for an exemption permitting a paper-based application. Check your eligibility to apply via paper format.
It is essential to note, that starting from January 30, 2024, a revised edition of the study permit extension application form (IMM5709) has been released. If you opt to apply through the IRCC secure account on or after this date, it is necessary to utilize the updated version of the form. Applications submitted with the previous version will not be accepted.
Processing Time of the Application:
Study permit extension processing times can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months from the application date. Factors like application volume and individual circumstances influence these times, so applying well in advance is important to avoid delays. Once approved, IRCC will mail the new study permit to your specified address, serving as proof of its extension. Be sure to save a digital copy promptly in a secure and easily accessible location.
Upon receipt of your permit, ensure the currency of your immigration and health insurance documents by adhering to the following essential actions:
- Input the expiration date of your new study permit into the Reminder System on the Student Service Centre website.
- Renew your Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Extend your Social Insurance Number (SIN) if applicable. A valid SIN meeting eligibility criterion is required for employment in Canada.
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for entry into Canada, if necessary, based on your country of citizenship.
What to do if your permit has already expired:
If your study permit has expired and you seek to continue studying in Canada for any of the previously outlined reasons, follow these steps:
- Apply promptly for a new study permit to uphold legal status in Canada.
- Simultaneously apply to restore your temporary resident status in Canada. You may have the opportunity to regain student status and extend your permit within 90 days.
| Application | Fee |
| Restore your status as a student Restore your status ($229) and get a new study permit ($150) | $379 |
Although you can stay in Canada after your permit expires, you cannot resume studying or work until your status is restored and you obtain your new study permit. Do note that if your study permit expires and you have a family member(s) accompanying you, you may have to restore their status too, and pay a fee for each family member.
Students must diligently monitor their permit’s expiration date and promptly initiate the extension process to maintain continuity in their studies and legal status in Canada. With a clear understanding of the extension process and its requirements, students can confidently navigate the application process. Through careful planning and adherence to procedures, students can pursue their academic goals in Canada with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQ’s:
If your study permit expires while you’re awaiting an extension, you can continue staying and studying in Canada under “Maintained Status” as long as you applied for the extension before your original permit expired and are awaiting a decision on your application.
No attestation letter is required for study permit extensions. The recent announcement by IRCC does not affect current study permit holders or extensions, and provincial attestation letters are not necessary for extending a study permit
As long as you have applied for an extension before your original permit expires, you can work as your permit allows you in the extension window too.
If your application for a study permit extension has not been approved yet, you will not be permitted to re-enter Canada.
The simple answer is “Yes”, just like the main applicant (you), your family permits are valid for the same duration as yours. And you also need to extend the permits of your family members.