Guide for Onshore Students in Canada Extending Your Study Permit

If you're an international student in Canada and your study permit is nearing expiry, it's essential to understand how to extend your study permit from within Canada so you can continue your education uninterrupted. Read on for a step-by-step guide and key considerations to keep in mind, to help you successfully extend your study permit while living in Canada.

Why Extend Your Study Permit?

Every Canadian study permit has an expiry date which is usually the length of your study program, plus 90 days. If your permit will expire before you complete your studies, you must apply before it expires to extend it. Continuing your studies without a valid permit can lead to losing your student status and being required to leave Canada.

Additionally, extending your study permit before it expires gives you the right to continue to study and possibly work while your application is processed through "maintained status."

When to Apply for an Extension

• It is recommended to apply for an extension at least 4 to 6 months before your current study permit expires.
• In general, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires.
• Apply only while you are physically inside Canada.
• The extension application must be submitted before midnight Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on your study permit’s expiry date if you wish to maintain your student status.

Key Requirements for Extending Your Study Permit in Canada

Confirmation of Enrolment

You need an official and recent **letter of enrolment or letter of acceptance from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), stating your current status, program level, and anticipated graduation date.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)

Unless exempt, students must provide a PAL or TAL from the province or territory where they're studying with their application if they're changing institutions or study levels.

• However, if you're continuing at the same institution and same level of study, you are generally exempt from submitting a PAL/TAL.

Valid Passport

Your travel documents must be valid for the entire duration you request an extension for. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying to extend your study permit.

Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the upcoming period of study.

How to Apply for Your Study Permit Extension

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• Letter of Enrolment or Letter of Acceptance
• Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (if applicable)
• Valid passport pages (including any renewals or old passports)
• Proof of financial support
• Digital photo meeting IRCC's specifications
• Letter of Explanation (optional but helpful for unusual situations)\

Step 2: Access IRCC Secure Account

• Apply online only, through your IRCC Secure Account. 
• Study permit extensions cannot be submitted via the new IRCC portal.

Step 3: Complete Application Form IMM5709

• Fill out and upload form IMM5709 - "Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student" using the newest version of the form.
• The Government of Canada provides a detailed guide (Guide 5552) to help you with completing this form.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Pay Fees

• The study permit extension application fee is C$150.
• Biometrics fees of C$85 may apply if you haven’t given biometric data in the last 10 years.
• You'll pay online through the secure IRCC website with a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

• You will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) once your application is submitted successfully.

Maintaining Your Status During Application Processing

If you apply before your current study permit expires, you will retain maintained status. This status allows you to continue studying and working (if authorized) under the same conditions as your original study permit until your application is either approved or denied.

What if Your Permit Expires Before Applying for an Extension?

If you don't apply for an extension before your original study permit expires, you are considered out of status:

• You must stop studying and working immediately.
• You can apply for restoration of status within 90 days, but cannot study or work until your status restoration is approved. 
• It's also more expensive than applying for a study permit extension.

Changing Institutions or Programs

As of November 8, 2024, if you plan to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must:

• Apply to extend your study permit for the new institution **before starting** at the new school.
• Provide a new PAL/TAL if required.
• Under most circumstances, you must receive the new study permit before beginning classes at the new institution.
• If you transferred to a new DLI before November 2024, check with your institution’s international student office for specific instructions.

Traveling While Your Extension is In Process

Travel outside Canada while your application is being processed is not recommended, as it will put your student status at risk.

If you must travel:

• Returning to Canada as a visitor means you cannot resume your studies until your new permit is received.
• If your study permit extension is approved while you're abroad, you may re-enter as a student as long as you have the proper documentation.
• Remember, re-entry decisions always rest with Canadian border services officers.

If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, ensure your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is valid.

Additional Tips for International Students in Canada

• Use tools such as your institution’s Immigration Document Reminder System to track expiry dates.
• Seek advice from your school’s international student advising office for personalized support.
• Maintain study programs aligned with your career goals for smooth permit processing.

Conclusion

Extending a study permit while in Canada is a critical step for many international students. By understanding the process requirements, applying early, and following the correct procedures, you can maintain your student status and stay focused on your academic and career goals.