EXTEND YOUR STUDY PERMIT
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.
For more information, review IRCC’s Sep 18 New Release and Speaking Notes. We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC.
Your study permit must remain valid for the duration of your studies in Canada. If you will need to extend your study permit, we recommend that you submit your application for extension about 4 to 6 months in advance of expiration.
Processing times vary. Visit the IRCC website for current, estimated processing times. Delays in processing may occur, so apply 4 to 6 months in advance if possible.
As long as IRCC receives your study permit extension application before the expiration date of your current study permit, you will have maintained status (formerly known as implied status) to remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if meeting the eligibility requirements) while you await processing, even if your study permit expires while you wait. For more information about maintained status, visit the IRCC website.
If you plan to travel abroad during a period when your study permit is about to expire, contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist to discuss your options for a study permit extension and/or applying for a new study permit from outside Canada. We will help you to understand your options based on your specific circumstances so that you can make an informed decision.
You may apply online via the IRCC website to extend your study permit and/or your dependant family members’ immigration documents together.
It is important to note that a study permit cannot be issued beyond your passport expiration date. If your passport is about to expire, we recommend renewing it before applying for an extension.
In the event that you cannot renew your passport before the expiration of your current study permit, please connect with an International Student advisor, Immigration Specialist.
If your passport is expiring, you must renew it before you apply to extend your study permit. See Renew your passport for details.
Note: Your study permit will expire on the earlier of the following dates: the expiry date printed on your study permit or 90 days after you complete your studies.
You can find more information on how to apply to extend your study permit by reading the handouts on our Instruction Guides page, or by visiting the IRCC website.
Expired study permits and restoration of status
If your study permit has already expired and you did not apply to extend it before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status in Canada. For more information about restoration, visit the IRCC website.
Your restoration application must be submitted within 90 days after your study permit expired or became invalid.
To apply for restoration, you must:
- apply online using all forms and documents required for a study permit extension (refer to the guides on our Instruction Guides webapge for details),
- pay an additional restoration fee with your online application, in addition to the fee for a study permit extension and biometrics fee if applicable, and
- include an explanation letter you have written about the circumstances surrounding why you did not apply for an extension before your status expired
You can remain in Canada while you await processing of your restoration application but you are not allowed to study or work until the application is approved.