Study Permit Extension in Canada

For thousands of international students, the expiry date on a study permit is the only thing standing between them and the completion of their “Canadian Dream.” Whether you need more time to finish your degree or you are transitioning to a Master’s program, maintaining your legal status is non-negotiable.

However, with processing times now stretching over 5 months and strict rules regarding “Maintained Status,” a simple renewal can quickly become a complex legal hurdle.

At Dara Immigration Services, we ensure your status remains secure so you can focus on your grades, not your paperwork. This guide is your roadmap to extending your stay, understanding “Maintained Status,” and avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to refusals.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary):

When to Apply: At least 90–120 days before your current permit expires.
Maintained Status: Allows you to keep studying while you wait, but only if you stay in Canada.
Financials (2025/2026): You must show $22,895 CAD (annual) + remaining tuition.

Changing Schools: If you are changing DLIs, you must apply for a new study permit, not an extension.

What is a Study Permit Extension?

A Study Permit Extension is an application to renew your status in Canada before your current permit expires. It is not automatic; you must prove to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you are still a bona fide student actively pursuing your studies.

The “Golden Rule” of Study Permit Extensions

You should apply at least 90–120 days before your current study permit expires.

Maintained Status

If you apply before your study permit expiry date, you benefit from Maintained Status (Formerly Implied Status).

Legality: You can legally stay in Canada after your permit expires, provided you are waiting for a decision on your submitted application.
Continuity: You can continue to study and work (if eligible) under the same conditions as your previous permit.
The Trap: If you leave Canada while on Maintained Status, you may lose your right to study or work until the new permit is issued.

Eligibility Requirements for a Study Permit Extension

To ensure a successful renewal, you must meet specific criteria proving your ongoing student status.

Valid Status

You must submit your application before the expiry date printed on your current study permit.

Proof of Enrollment

You must provide a “Letter of Enrollment” from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming your registration and expected completion date.

Academic Progress

You must provide transcripts showing that you are actively studying and making progress toward your degree. IRCC scrutinizes “authorized leaves” versus unjustified gaps in study.

Proof of Financial Support (2025/2026 Standards)

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the remaining time in Canada.

Single Student: $22,895 CAD per year (prorated for shorter extensions).
Tuition: Proof of paid tuition or funds available for future semesters.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Exemption

Unlike new applications, study permit extensions (to continue at the same school) are generally exempt from the PAL requirement.

Fees, Costs, and Processing Times (2026 Estimates)

Note: These figures are estimates and subject to change by IRCC.

Category	Fee / Metric	Notes
Government Application Fee	$150 CAD	Payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
Biometrics Fee	$85 CAD	Usually not required if given in the last 10 years.
Restoration Fee	$229 CAD	Additional fee if you missed your expiry date (within 90 days).
Minimum Living Funds	$22,895 CAD / year	Must be liquid funds (plus tuition).
Estimated Processing Time	150 – 220 Days	Backlogs are significant for in-Canada applications.

Study Permit Extension Application Process: Step-by-Step

Securing your extension requires a methodical approach.

1. Check Your Passport Expiry

IRCC cannot issue a permit past the validity of your passport. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying for your study permit extension.

2. Request School Documents

Contact your Registrar’s office immediately for your Letter of Enrollment (stating your new graduation date) and your Official Transcripts.

3. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Proof of Means: Gather 4 months of bank statements. If supported by parents, obtain a new Letter of Support.
Letter of Explanation: Explain clearly why you need more time (e.g., “I took a reduced course load in Fall 2024 due to illness”).

4. Submit Your Application Online

5. Remain in Canada

Once submitted, you are on Maintained Status. It is highly recommended to remain in Canada until you receive the physical permit to avoid complications at the border.

Risks and Refusals

Refusals for extensions are increasing. Understanding why applications are rejected is the first step to approval.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Academic Stagnation: The officer sees failing grades, multiple program changes, or unauthorized semester breaks and determines you are not a “bona fide” student.
Financial Insufficiency: Failure to show the updated $22,895 CAD cost-of-living amount.
The “Changing Schools” Trap: As of November 2024, if you are changing DLIs, you must apply for a new study permit, not just an extension. Applying for the wrong document can lead to refusal.

Restoration of Status

If your study permit has already expired, you have lost your status.

90-Day Window: You have 90 days from the expiry date to apply for “Restoration of Status.”
Condition: You cannot study or work during this period. You must freeze all activity until your status is restored and the new permit is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for my extension?

Technically yes, but it is risky. If you leave Canada, you forfeit your Maintained Status. You may be allowed to re-enter as a visitor, but you cannot study or work until your new permit is physically issued. It is highly recommended to stay in Canada.

2. Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for an extension?

Generally, no. If you are extending your permit to continue your studies at the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are currently exempt from providing a new PAL.

3. Can I continue working while my application is processing?

Yes, under Maintained Status. If your previous permit allowed you to work (e.g., 24 hours/week off-campus) and you applied before the expiry date, you can continue working under those same conditions until a decision is made.

4. How much money do I need to show for an extension?

As of the 2025/2026 updates, you must demonstrate liquid funds of $22,895 CAD per year (for a single student) plus the remaining tuition for your program.

5. What happens if I forget to apply before my permit expires?

You lose your status immediately and must stop studying and working. You have a 90-day window to apply for Restoration of Status (fee: $229). If you miss this deadline, you must leave Canada.

Professional Immigration Assistance

Your study permit is the foundation of your life in Canada. A simple paperwork error or a missed deadline can jeopardize your degree and your future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Don’t navigate the complex IRCC maze alone. Contact Dara Immigration Services today for a professional assessment.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding Study Permit Extensions and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies change frequently.