Study Permit Extension

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Current IRCC Study Permit Extension Information

Study Permit Extension in Canada

If your study permit will expire before you finish the studies for which you need authorization, you must apply to extend your status as a student. Applying correctly and on time can determine whether you can remain in Canada and continue studying while IRCC processes your application.

Extension requirements can also change depending on whether you are staying at the same school, changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), changing your level of study, restoring expired status, travelling outside Canada or changing conditions on your permit.

Apply Before Expiry IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Maintained Status A complete application submitted before expiry can let you remain and continue under applicable existing conditions while in Canada.
Expired Permit? Eligible students may have up to 90 days after losing status to apply for restoration.
Changing DLI? Post-secondary students generally need a new study permit before studying at a different DLI.

When Do You Need to Extend Your Study Permit?

You need a study permit extension when your current permit will expire before you finish the studies that require a study permit, or when you need to change certain conditions on your current permit.

Common Reasons for an Extension

  • Your current permit will expire before your program ends
  • You need additional time to complete your studies
  • You are continuing into a new program and need a longer period of authorization
  • You are changing to a different post-secondary DLI
  • You need to change conditions printed on your study permit
  • Your previous permit was limited by your passport validity

How Long Is a Study Permit Valid?

A study permit is usually issued for the length of the study program plus an additional 90 days, but you must rely on the actual validity and conditions of your own document.

A study permit also cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport.

If you finish your studies early: your study permit stops being valid on whichever comes first—the expiry date printed on the permit or 90 days after you complete your studies. Completion is tied to when your school first notifies you through a completion letter, transcript, degree, diploma or similar confirmation.

When Should You Apply?

30+ DAYS BEFORE EXPIRY

IRCC recommends applying to renew your study permit at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Applying earlier gives you time to obtain school documents, PAL/TAL or CAQ where required, financial evidence and any other supporting documents before your status is close to expiring.

Do not wait until the final day. If IRCC returns an application as incomplete, it may be treated as though it was never properly submitted. If your status has expired by that point, maintained status may not protect you and restoration may need to be considered.

Maintained Status: What Happens If You Apply Before Expiry?

If you apply to extend or change the conditions of your study permit before it expires, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.

Submitted Before Expiry

You may remain in Canada under maintained status. If you continue meeting the applicable conditions, you may generally continue studying under the conditions of your original study permit while you stay in Canada.

If you were eligible to work off campus and continue meeting all student-work requirements, applying to extend before expiry can also allow that existing work authorization to continue.

VS.

Applied After Expiry

You have lost your student status. You must stop studying and cannot rely on maintained status.

If eligible, you may apply for restoration within 90 days, but you cannot resume studies until your status is restored and the new study permit is issued.

While on maintained status, provincial documents such as a driver's licence or health card may not be renewable, and you cannot obtain a new SIN card until you receive your new immigration document.

If Your Study Permit Has Already Expired

If your permit expired before you submitted an extension application, you lose your student status. Restoration is a separate process and is not guaranteed.

You must stop studying. Submitting a restoration application does not by itself authorize you to restart your studies. You must wait until IRCC restores your status and issues the new study permit.

A person who qualifies for restoration generally must apply within 90 days of losing status, explain the circumstances, continue meeting the applicable temporary-resident requirements and pay the required fees.

Study Permit Extension

CAD $150 Current study permit fee, including extensions

Restoration + New Study Permit

CAD $396.25 CAD $246.25 restoration + CAD $150 study permit
If more than 90 days have passed since you lost status, restoration may no longer be available and you may need to leave Canada. Individual circumstances should be assessed before taking action.

Documents Commonly Needed for a Study Permit Extension

Study & Status Documents

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Current study permit
  • Letter of Acceptance or letter/proof of enrolment from your DLI
  • Academic or enrolment records where relevant
  • Explanation of your continued, changed or additional studies
  • PAL/TAL where required, or evidence of an exemption
  • CAQ or Quebec authorization where applicable

Financial & Other Supporting Evidence

  • Proof that you can continue supporting yourself while studying
  • Tuition/payment evidence where applicable
  • Bank statements or other acceptable financial evidence
  • Documents explaining a change of DLI, program or level where relevant
  • Medical examination evidence where required
  • Biometrics, if required for your application
DLI verification matters: for post-secondary extensions, your DLI may provide a Letter of Acceptance or letter of enrolment. IRCC requires the institution to verify the document within the required timeframe. If the DLI does not verify it, IRCC can return the application and refund the processing fee.
Passport validity matters: IRCC cannot issue your study permit beyond the validity of your passport. If your passport expires before the extension period you need, consider renewing it before applying.

Financial Support for a Study Permit Extension

IRCC's updated financial requirements also apply to study permit extensions. IRCC assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying in Canada without relying on unauthorized work.

Current Published Benchmark CAD $22,895 One person outside Quebec
living expenses / year

The currently published IRCC living-expense amount for one person outside Quebec is CAD $22,895, excluding tuition and transportation.

For a study permit extension, IRCC will assess the funds available for your continuing studies and circumstances. Quebec has separate financial requirements.

Financial thresholds are updated periodically, so the current amount should always be confirmed immediately before filing.

Family members, including applicant Current living-expense amount / year
1CAD $22,895
2CAD $28,502
3CAD $35,040
4CAD $42,543
5CAD $48,252
6CAD $54,420
7CAD $60,589
Each additional family memberCAD $6,170
These living-expense figures do not include tuition or transportation. For programs extending beyond one year, you should also be prepared to explain how the remaining duration of your studies will be financed.
Check Current IRCC Financial Requirements

Do You Need a New PAL or TAL?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) requirement depends on whether you are staying at the same DLI and level of study or making a change.

Same DLI + Same Level of Study

If you are applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and the same level of study as your current permit, you do not need a new PAL/TAL under the current IRCC exemption.

Different DLI or Different Level

If you are extending at a different DLI or a different level of study, you generally need a new, valid PAL/TAL unless another exemption applies.

Public graduate-degree exception: if you are moving from post-secondary studies into a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI, a new PAL/TAL is not required under the current rules.
Restoration is different: if you are applying to restore your status as a student, a new PAL/TAL is generally required even if you plan to remain at the same DLI and the same level of study, unless another exemption applies.

Changing Your College or University

At the post-secondary level, students generally cannot simply move to another DLI under the same study permit. You need to obtain a new study permit by applying to extend your current permit.

Before You Change DLIs

  • Confirm the new school is a current DLI
  • Obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the new DLI
  • Include a letter explaining why you are changing schools
  • Obtain a new PAL/TAL unless you qualify for an exemption
  • Submit the required study permit extension application

Can You Start at the New DLI While Waiting?

Usually, you should receive the study permit for your new DLI before beginning studies there.

IRCC allows a student to start at the new DLI while the extension is pending only in limited circumstances, including certain cases where the previous DLI closed, discontinued the program, was suspended or lost designation, and all other conditions are met.

Current faster-processing option: IRCC currently provides a process targeting approximately 60-day processing for eligible post-secondary DLI-change study permit extension applications when the specific online instructions are followed. Check IRCC's current instructions before relying on this service standard.
Check Current IRCC DLI-Change Rules

Changing Your Program or Level of Study

A program change does not always require the same immigration action as a DLI change. Whether you need a new or extended study permit depends on your existing permit conditions, the DLI, the new program and whether your current permit remains valid long enough.

If the change also means moving to a different level of study, a new PAL/TAL may be required unless an exemption applies. If you need more time for the new program, apply for the extension before your current permit expires.

How to Apply for a Study Permit Extension

Study permit extensions are generally submitted online. IRCC currently directs extension applicants to use the IRCC secure account, with limited exceptions for applicants who are eligible to apply on paper.

1

Check Expiry Dates

Review both your study permit and passport validity.

2

Confirm Your Study Plan

Determine whether you are staying at the same DLI/level or making a change.

3

Check PAL/TAL or CAQ

Confirm whether a new provincial or territorial document is required or an exemption applies.

4

Gather Documents

Prepare school, financial, identity, status and supporting evidence.

5

Apply Online Before Expiry

Submit a complete application through the correct IRCC account and pay the applicable fees.

6

Continue Following Your Conditions

Keep complying with your student and work conditions while IRCC processes the application.

Can You Continue Working While Your Extension Is Processing?

A study permit extension does not create new work authorization. You can continue working only if you were already eligible and you continue meeting the applicable student-work conditions.

Eligible Off-Campus Work

  • You applied to extend your study permit before it expired
  • You continue meeting all other off-campus work requirements
  • Up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions
  • Unlimited off-campus hours during qualifying scheduled breaks
  • Your permit contains the applicable work condition and you have a SIN

When You Cannot Assume You Can Work

  • Your study permit expired before you applied and you are seeking restoration
  • You are on an authorized leave from studies
  • You are switching schools and are not currently studying
  • You no longer meet the other requirements for student work
  • Your permit specifically prohibits the work you want to do

Student Work Placements, Co-op and Internships

Under the current rules, eligible post-secondary international students generally do not need a separate co-op work permit for qualifying student work placements that are an essential part of their program.

Secondary-school international students still require a co-op work permit for student work placements. The placement itself must meet IRCC's eligibility requirements, and your DLI may need to confirm that the placement is required for the credential.

Biometrics and Medical Examination

Biometrics

You may need to provide biometrics for an extension. Biometrics are generally valid for up to 10 years, but IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit beyond 10 years from the last date your biometrics were given.

If required, the current individual biometrics fee is CAD $85.

Medical Examination

A medical examination may be required depending on your situation, including certain studies or work involving health care, children, elderly persons or other designated occupations, and in some cases based on travel/residence history.

Travelling While Your Extension Is in Process

A study permit is not a travel document. If you leave Canada, you need the appropriate valid travel document—such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA, where applicable—to return.

If IRCC is still processing your study permit extension when you return, a border officer may allow you to enter as a visitor. In that situation, you cannot resume studying until your extended study permit is approved.

A border officer may ask for evidence that you submitted an extension, such as a copy of the application or fee receipt. Re-entry is always assessed at the border.

TRV reminder: extending your study permit does not automatically renew your TRV. If you need a TRV for travel, it is a separate document and may require a separate application.

Study Permit Extension and PGWP Planning

A study permit extension and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility are separate issues. Extending your study permit does not make a program PGWP-eligible.

If PGWP Is Part of Your Plan

  • Check the DLI and the specific program—not only the school name
  • Review the PGWP rules that apply to your credential
  • Check language requirements where applicable
  • Check field-of-study requirements where applicable
  • Maintain compliance with your study permit conditions

After Program Completion

Your study permit can expire 90 days after completion even if a later date is printed on the permit. PGWP applications also have their own eligibility and timing rules, so graduation planning should be reviewed separately from an extension.

What If Your School Loses DLI Status?

If a post-secondary institution loses its DLI designation after your study permit has already been issued, you may generally continue the program you are already enrolled in until your current permit expires.

You generally cannot extend a study permit to begin a new program at a de-designated institution. If your current permit will expire before you finish, you should review whether the institution has been re-designated or whether you need to change to another DLI.

Studying in Quebec?

Quebec has separate provincial requirements. Depending on your situation, you may need a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or updated Quebec authorization before submitting the federal study permit extension.

For study permit purposes, a valid CAQ can serve as the provincial attestation document where the PAL/TAL requirement applies, subject to current Quebec and federal rules.

How Long Does a Study Permit Extension Take?

IRCC processing times change regularly, so a fixed number of days should not be permanently written into this page. Check IRCC's live processing time immediately before planning travel, school changes or other time-sensitive decisions.

Check Current IRCC Processing Times

How Sia Immigration Can Help

Extension Review

Review your permit expiry, passport, school documents, financial evidence and extension requirements.

School / Program Changes

Assess DLI-change rules, PAL/TAL requirements, program changes, study levels and related immigration implications.

Restoration & Complex Cases

Review expired status, restoration timing, travel issues, work/study conditions and the appropriate application strategy.

Study Permit Extension FAQs

How early should I apply to extend my study permit?
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current status expires. Applying earlier can give you more time to obtain required documents and address any issues before expiry.
Can I stay in Canada if my permit expires while my extension is processing?
If you submitted a complete extension or change-of-conditions application before your study permit expired, you can generally remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC processes it.
Can I continue studying while on maintained status?
If you applied before expiry, stay in Canada and continue meeting the applicable conditions, you may generally continue studying under the conditions of your original study permit while waiting for a decision.
Can I continue working while my extension is processing?
You may continue eligible student work if you applied to extend your study permit before it expired and continue meeting all applicable student-work conditions. During regular academic sessions, eligible off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week.
What happens if my study permit expired before I applied?
You lose your student status and must stop studying. If eligible, you may apply to restore your status and obtain a new study permit within 90 days of losing status. You cannot resume studying until restoration is approved and the new study permit is issued.
How much does a study permit extension cost?
The currently published IRCC study permit fee, including extensions, is CAD $150 per person. Fees can change, so confirm the amount before filing.
How much does restoration as a student cost?
The currently published restoration fee is CAD $246.25, plus CAD $150 for the new study permit, for a current total of CAD $396.25. Confirm the fee immediately before applying.
Do I need a new PAL or TAL for an extension?
If you are extending at the same DLI and same level of study, you generally do not need a new PAL/TAL. If you are changing DLIs or levels of study, a new PAL/TAL is generally required unless an exemption applies.
Do I need a new study permit to change colleges or universities?
At the post-secondary level, you generally need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one before studying at a different DLI. Limited exceptions allow some students to begin at the new DLI while the application is pending.
What financial proof is required for an extension?
IRCC's updated financial requirements apply to extensions and IRCC assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying. The currently published living-expense benchmark for one person outside Quebec is CAD $22,895, excluding tuition and transportation.
Can I travel outside Canada while my extension is pending?
You may travel if you have the required travel document, but if IRCC is still processing the extension when you return, a border officer may admit you as a visitor. In that case, you cannot resume studying until your extended study permit is approved.
Does extending my study permit also renew my TRV?
No. A study permit and a TRV are different documents. If you require a TRV to return to Canada, you may need to apply for a new TRV separately.
Can IRCC issue my extension beyond my passport expiry date?
No. A study permit cannot be issued beyond the validity of your passport.
Do post-secondary students still need a co-op work permit?
Under the current rules, eligible post-secondary international students generally do not need a separate co-op work permit for qualifying, program-required student work placements. Secondary-school students still require a co-op work permit.
Does a study permit extension guarantee PGWP eligibility?
No. PGWP eligibility is separate. The DLI, specific program, credential, study history and other current PGWP requirements must be reviewed independently.

Don't Let Your Study Permit Expire

Whether you are continuing the same program, changing institutions, moving to another level of study, travelling while an application is pending or dealing with expired status, the correct strategy should be planned before your current status ends.

Sia Immigration can help review your status, school documents, financial evidence and current IRCC requirements and prepare the appropriate study permit extension or restoration application for your circumstances.

Book an Appointment Explore Study Services
Important: Immigration requirements, government fees, PAL/TAL rules, financial thresholds, processing procedures, work conditions and eligibility criteria can change. A study permit extension or restoration is never guaranteed. Students should confirm the requirements that apply to their circumstances at the time of application and continue complying with all conditions of their status in Canada.

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