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In Canada, your study permit includes an expiry date, which is generally the duration of your study program plus an additional 90 days. This extra time allows you to either prepare for departure or apply for a study permit extension if you plan to continue studying. To avoid any complications, it is important to apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires. If you fail to apply for an extension, you will need to leave Canada. In this guide, we will explain how to apply for a study permit extension and cover key details you need to know.
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When To Apply for a Study Permit Extension?
Applying for a study permit extension in Canada is important for maintaining your legal status and staying compliant with immigration regulations. Below are some key scenarios and steps you should consider to avoid any interruptions in your academic journey.
| Case 1: Applying for an Extension Before Your Permit ExpiresIf your study permit is nearing its expiration date, it is crucial to apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before it expires. For instance, if your permit expires on June 1st, submit your application by May 1st. Ensure that your passport remains valid for the required duration as the study permit extension cannot extend beyond your passport’s expiration date. If you apply before the expiration date, you can continue studying under the same conditions until a decision is made, as long as you remain in Canada. Example 2: Completing Your Studies Earlier Than ExpectedSuppose you finish your studies earlier than planned. Your study permit will expire based on whichever comes first: the expiry date on your permit or 90 days after the completion of your program. The 90-day period starts when you receive official notification from your school (like an email, letter, or transcript) or when you obtain your degree, diploma, or certificate. In such cases, make sure you apply for your study permit extension before the 90 days run out to stay in Canada legally. Situation 3: Completing Your Studies Later Than ExpectedIf your studies take longer than expected, you need to apply for your study permit extension at least 30 days before the original expiry date. For example, if your program is extended and your permit is set to expire on September 30th, you must apply for an extension by August 30th to continue your studies legally. Case 4: If Your School Is No Longer on the DLI ListImagine your school is removed from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list. You must either continue studying until your current permit expires or transfer to a new DLI. If you wish to extend your study permit, you will need to apply to and enroll at a school that still holds DLI status to continue your studies. Example 5: Leaving Canada Before or After Applying for ExtensionIf you plan to leave Canada while your study permit extension is being processed, keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to re-enter Canada unless you have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing you’ve been approved for a study permit extension. Additionally, you will need a valid travel document to re-enter. Be aware that if you leave before your application is processed, re-entry without the necessary documents can result in delays or denial. Situation 6: Deferring Your EnrollmentIf you have deferred your enrollment and the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that issued your acceptance letter loses its status, you won’t be able to start studying at that school. To continue your studies, you’ll need to apply to a new DLI, get accepted, and update your information in your MyAccount to ensure your study permit extension is processed without issues. |
Table of Summarise Related to When You Should Apply for a Study Permit Extension
Situations when you need to apply for a study permit extension and offers helpful reminders to avoid issues during the process.
| Situation | Action Required | Important Notes |
| Before Your Permit Expires | Apply at least 30 days before expiry | Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your extended permit |
| Completing Studies Earlier Than Expected | Apply for an extension if the 90-day period after completing your studies ends | 90-day period begins when you receive official notification from your school or get your degree |
| Completing Studies Later Than Expected | Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your original expiry date | Don’t wait for your permit to expire before applying for an extension |
| School Is No Longer on the DLI List | Transfer to a new DLI if needed and apply for an extension | Ensure your new school has DLI status |
| Leaving Canada Before or After Application | Don’t leave Canada until your extension is approved unless you have the right documents | You need a valid study permit and travel document to re-enter Canada |
| Deferring Enrollment | Apply to a new DLI and update your information in MyAccount | If your DLI loses its status, you need to transfer to another designated institution |
Also Read: How To Study and Work in Canada?
How Can International Students Apply for Study Permit Extension?
Starting December 23, 2024, an important change will affect all international students in Canada. You will no longer be able to apply for a study permit or extend it at a port of entry. Instead, all applications must be done online. Whether you are entering Canada or extending your stay, you must complete your application through the official online portal to avoid any interruptions to your study plans.
Impact of Leaving Canada on Your Study Permit Status
If you are currently in Canada on a maintained status ( your study permit is still valid but you are not studying), leaving the country will affect your ability to continue studying. Upon your return, you won’t be allowed to study until your study permit extension is approved.
Therefore, applying for an extension before leaving Canada is important to ensure you can continue your studies uninterrupted upon your return.
Documents Needed for Study Permit Extension Application
To apply for a study permit extension, you need to submit the following documents:
1. Letter of Acceptance or Enrollment:
Letter of Acceptance or Enrollment is issued by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and must be verified by your institution before you submit it as part of your application. If your DLI does not validate it on time, your application will be rejected, and the processing fee will be refunded. Always ensure your DLI verifies this letter before the deadline.
2. Other Required Documents:
Other required documents for Study permit extension may include your passport, proof of sufficient funds to support your studies and other personal documents.
Steps for Applying Online for a Study Permit Extension
Here is a simplified guide to applying online for your study permit extension:
| Step | Description |
| Step 1: Prepare Documents | Gather your letter of acceptance, financial documents, and passport to upload. |
| Step 2: Complete the Application | Fill out the online application form, following the provided instructions. |
| Step 3: Pay the Fees | Use a credit or debit card to pay the required processing fees. |
| Step 4: Submit Application | Submit your application online and track the status of your application. |
| Step 5: Track Progress | Stay updated on your application status and submit additional documents if requested. |
| As of now, paper applications for study permit extensions are not accepted. You need to apply through the IRCC secure account. |
What is the Processing Time and Fees for Study Permit Extension in Canada?
When applying for a study permit extension in 2025-26, it is important to understand both the processing time and the fees involved to ensure your application is completed smoothly.
Processing Time
The processing time for a study permit extension typically takes 134 days. However, this duration can vary based on several factors, such as the completeness of your application and the volume of requests at the time.
To avoid any interruptions in your studies, it’s strongly recommended to apply well in advance of your current study permit’s expiry date. Applying early ensures you can continue your academic journey without delays.
Fees for Stduy Permit Extension
The cost of extending your study permit is $150 for the application fee. If your study permit has expired and you are looking to restore your status, you will need to pay an additional Restoration of Status Fee of $239.75. The total cost for restoring your status and receiving a new study permit would therefore be $389.75.
| Category | Details |
| Processing Time | 134 days (subject to change based on factors such as application completeness and volume of requests) |
| Study Permit Extension Application Fee | $150 |
| Restoration of Status Fee | $239.75 (if your study permit has expired and you need to restore your status) |
| Total Fee for Restoration and New Study Permit | $389.75 (includes restoration fee + new study permit fee) |
| Recommended Application Time | Apply well in advance of study permit expiry to avoid any gaps in your study status |
Also Read: Top Business Schools in Canada
What Can Be Done if Study Permit Extension Is Expired?
If your study permit has expired or you have not followed the conditions of your study permit, you may lose your student status in Canada. If this happens, you cannot study until your status is restored. Here’s what you need to know about restoring your student status:
You lose your student status if:
- Your study permit expired before you applied for a new one.
- You changed conditions on your study permit, such as the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), type of study, study location, or study period.
- You didn’t follow the conditions of your study permit.
| If you apply after your permit expires, you can stay in Canada but cannot study until your status is restored and you have your new study permit. |
How to Restore Your Study Permit Extension?
If you need to restore your status, make sure to include a note explaining why you need the extension. If your application is successful, your status will be restored, and you can continue studying. If you have family members with you in Canada, they will need to apply separately for restoration.
To restore your study permit extension, follow the following steps:
| Step | Description |
| Step 1: Apply for a New Study Permit | Apply online for a new study permit. |
| Step 2: Apply to Restore Your Status | Select “Restore my status” in your application. |
| Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents | Provide all necessary documents to support your application. |
| Step 4: Pay Fees | Pay the restoration fee along with the processing fee for your new study permit. |
| Step 5: Wait for Approval | You can stay in Canada while your application is processed, but approval is not guaranteed. |
| If you apply for an extension before your current permit expires, you maintain “implied status,” allowing you to stay in Canada legally while waiting for a decision. You can continue to study under the same conditions as your previous permit. |
Conclusion
Applying for a study permit extension is an important process to ensure that you can continue your studies in Canada legally. Whether your studies end earlier than expected, take longer than anticipated, or your school is removed from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list, understanding the necessary steps for applying on time is essential.
Always make sure to apply for your extension well before your study permit expires, keep your passport valid, and stay informed about any changes in your school’s DLI status. By following to these guidelines, you can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted academic experience in Canada.
FAQs
Ans. You can apply for a study permit extension up to 3 months before your current permit expires, but it’s advised to apply at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid complications.
Ans. If you miss the deadline, you may have to leave Canada and may not be able to return until a new permit is approved. In some cases, you might need to restore your status by applying for restoration of status and paying a fee.
Ans. Yes, you can continue studying under the same conditions as your previous permit if you applied for the extension before your current permit expired and stay in Canada while waiting for a decision.
Ans. The processing time for a study permit extension is typically around 134 days, but it may vary depending on the application volume and specific circumstances.
Ans. If your school loses its DLI status, you need to transfer to another DLI to continue your studies and be eligible for a study permit extension. Make sure to apply to and be accepted by the new DLI and update your application accordingly.
We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of Study Permit Extension. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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