DIS

Study Permit Extension in Canada

Study Permit Extension in Canada is a crucial process for international students who need more time to complete their studies and maintain legal status in the country. Canada welcomes thousands of international students each year. However, students must maintain valid immigration status while studying. A study permit outlines how long a student may stay in Canada and under what conditions. If your permit is nearing its expiry date or if your academic situation changes, it’s important to understand your options for extending, renewing, or changing your study permit.

This guide explains what international students in Canada need to know about maintaining legal status, renewing their study permits, and making institutional changes—all in accordance with updated 2025 IRCC rules.

Study Permit Holder Responsibilities

Your study permit is a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows you to study in Canada for a specified period. Once this permit expires, you must either leave the country or apply to extend or change your status.

Always monitor your permit’s expiry date. If you fail to apply for an extension before that date, you risk losing your legal status.

Important obligations include:

  • Complying with the conditions of your permit
  • Studying at a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Making progress toward completing your program
  • Not working beyond the authorized work limits

What Is “Maintained Status”?

If you apply to extend or change your study permit before it expires, you may remain in Canada under maintained status.

While under maintained status, you may:

  • Stay in Canada legally
  • Continue studying under the same conditions as your expired permit
  • Work under the same restrictions if your previous permit allowed work

To qualify for maintained status, you must:

  • Submit your application before your current permit expires
  • Stay in Canada while your application is being processed
  • Retain documentation of your submission (e.g., confirmation receipt or courier proof)

If you leave Canada during this period, you may lose maintained status and might not be able to return until a new permit is approved.

Applying For Study Permit Extension in Canada

To continue your studies in Canada, you must ensure your study permit remains valid. Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires. It’s advisable to apply even earlier, considering processing times.

Application Process Study Permit Extension in Canada

To extend your study permit in Canada, it’s generally required to apply online. However, you may be eligible to submit a paper application under specific circumstances. you can submit a paper application if:

  • You have a disability that prevents you from applying online.
  • There is a problem with the online application that cannot be resolved.

Who Needs a Study Permit Extension in Canada?

You must renew your permit if:

  • Your current permit is expiring before your program is complete
  • You are changing your study program and need more time to finish
  • You are moving to a longer or more advanced program

You do not need a new permit if you are changing institutions or programs but staying within the same level of study and permit duration.

Required Documents for Study Permit Extension in Canada

To renew your study permit, you will typically need:

  • A valid passport
  • Current study permit
  • Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Proof of financial support (tuition, living expenses)
  • Transcripts or academic records
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), unless exempt.
  • Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), if studying in Quebec
  • Immigration Medical Exam results (if requested)

Ensure all documents are scanned clearly if submitting online. Incomplete or incorrect applications can cause delays.

Changing Schools

As of November 8, 2024, international students at the post-secondary level must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one if they wish to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Simply notifying IRCC through your online account is no longer sufficient. ​

Required Steps:

  • Apply for a study permit extension before changing schools.​
  • Include a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI.​
  • Provide a valid PAL or TAL, unless exempt.​
  • Submit a letter explaining the reason for the change.​

You may begin studying at your new DLI while your application is being processed if:​

  • You have applied for a study permit extension
  • Your current study permit remains valid and does not specify the DLI’s name.​
  • You meet all existing study permit conditions.

If You Are Studying in Quebec

Students in Quebec need a valid Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) in addition to a study permit.

If your CAQ is expiring:

  • Apply to renew it through Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration before renewing your study permit
  • You cannot get a study permit extension without a valid CAQ

Most students who require a study permit also need a CAQ, unless they qualify under an exemption.

Changing Your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

As of November 8, 2024, international students at the post-secondary level must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one if they wish to change their DLI. Simply notifying IRCC through your online account is no longer sufficient. ​

Required Documents for Changing DLIs

When applying to change your DLI, you must include:

  • A letter explaining the reason for the change.
  • A new letter of acceptance from the new DLI.
  • A valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), unless exempt. ​

Starting Studies at the New DLI

You may begin studying at your new DLI while your application is being processed if:​

  • You have applied for a study permit extension.
  • Your current study permit remains valid and does not specify the DLI’s name.
  • You meet all existing study permit conditions.

What Happens If Your Permit Expires?

If you let your study permit expire without applying for an extension, you lose your legal status in Canada.

However, you may apply to restore your status within 90 days of expiry.

Restoration of Status

To restore your status:

  • Submit an application for restoration and permit renewal
  • Pay restoration and processing fees
  • Provide explanation for why you lost status
  • Continue staying in Canada until a decision is made

You cannot study or work during the restoration period until your application is approved.

Traveling Outside Canada

f you plan to travel outside Canada, ensure you have the necessary documents to return:​

  • A valid study permit.
  • A valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country of citizenship.

You can apply for a new TRV after your study permit has been extended. A valid TRV is not needed to stay in Canada, but it is required if you plan to travel and return. Remember, a study permit is not a travel document.​

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Study in Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

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