A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government to foreign nationals that allows them to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada.
Almost, if not all, foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
Depending on the length of their intended schooling, international students studying in Canada need a study visa or Study Permit to do so.
Further, a visitor or temporary resident visa may also be required, depending on your country of origin.
Extending your study permit as an international student who wishes to stay longer while studying, you must apply for Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to extend your stay in Canada as a student.
When applying for an extension of your study permit, you need to know the following:
When to Apply
If you want to keep studying in Canada, an international student must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires.
How to Apply
Applicants must sign in to their online account to complete the “Check your eligibility” questionnaire to generate your Document Checklist.
The applicant will be asked whether he/she has given his/her biometrics (fingerprints and photo) to Immigration Canada within the past 10 years.
If the answer is “No,” your Document Checklist will include a biometrics fee and the study permit processing fee.
After you submit your application, you ought to receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter with information on collecting your biometrics.
If an applicant can’t remember whether or not his/her biometrics are still valid, applicants ought to use the “Find out if your biometrics are still valid” tool.
After the applicant completes the questionnaire, they will receive their Document checklist and Personal Reference code.
The reference code grants applicants access to their Document Checklist in their online account.
What to do if Your Study Permit is Expired
if an applicant’s permit expires, the applicant needs to apply for a new study permit to restore their status to a temporary resident permit.
Steps Involved in Renewing Study Permit
- Check the eligible questionnaire and complete the form to generate your document checklist.
- Applicants must complete the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend their Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student, and validate the form.
- Applicant must Upload all required documents listed on his/her Personalized Document Checklist.
If an applicant is returning to school, he/she must provide a Proof of Enrollment letter confirming enrollment in a future term.
Applicants must also provide a valid CAQ document showing the date on which the current study permit expires.
Applicant must also provide Proof of upfront medical examination.
If applicable, the applicant must upload an explanatory letter and other supporting documents in the “Client Information” section.
This will be necessary if, for example, an applicant has lost his/her status and he/she is applying to restore it. - Applicants should take a screenshot of their Document Checklist, including the total fees. Keep this for your records.
- The applicant must pay a specified fee and supply their electronic signature.
After the applicant has submitted their payment, a message confirming that your application has been successfully transmitted will be sent.
Print a screenshot of this page as proof of submission of your application.
After you submit your application, you’ll receive a message in your online account confirming that it has been received. - Applicants are to submit a copy of their new study permit to immigration Canada.
- Renew Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a student, Visitor or a worker)
When applying for a TRV, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant must be able to convince the officer that he/she will leave at the of their stay
- You must be able to convince the officer that you will not work or study in Canada except if authorized to do so
- Abide by the law and avoid any criminal activity
- Having a good health status
- Not be a risk to Canada
- Show financial stability in caring for yourself during your stay in Canada.
