How to Extend a Study Permit in Canada

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.

International students studying in Canada depending on the length of their intended schooling, they need a study visa or Study Permit in order to do so. Further, depending on your country of origin, a visitor visa or temporary resident visa may also be required.

Extending your study permit as an international student who wishes to stay longer while studying, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to extend their stay in Canada as a student.

Applying for an extension of  study permit, you need to know the following:

When to Apply

An international student must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires, if you want to keep studying in Canada.

How to Apply

Applicants have to sign in into their online account to complete the  “Check your eligibility” questionnaire in order to generate your Document Checklist. Applicant  will be asked whether or if he/she has given his/her biometrics (fingerprints and photo) to Immigration Canada within the past 10 years. If the answer “No”, your Document Checklist will include a biometrics fee additionally to the study permit processing fee.

After you submit your application, you ought to receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter with information on the way to have your biometrics collected. 

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 questionnaire has been completed by the applicant, they will be provided with their Document checklist and Personal Reference code. The reference code grants applicants the 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 inorder to restore their status back to temporary resident permit .

Steps Involved in Renewing Study Permit

1. Check the eligible questionnaire and complete the form to generate your document checklist. 
2. Applicants must complete the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend their Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student and validate the form.
3. Applicant must Upload all of the required documents listed on his/her Personalized Document Checklist. If an applicant is returning to school he/she must provide a Proof of Enrolment letter confirming enrolment in a future term. Applicants must also provide a CAQ document that is valid showing the date at which the current study permit expires. applicant must also provide Proof of upfront medical examination. If applicable, the applicant will have to upload an explanatory letter and other supporting documents in the “Client Information” section. This will be necessary if, for example, applicant have lost his/her status and he/she is applying to restore it
4. applicants should take a screenshot of their Document Checklist, including the total fees. Keep this for your records.
5.  the applicant is expected to Pay a specified fee and supply their electronic signature. After the applicant has submitted their payment, a message confirming  will be sent that your application has been successfully transmitted. 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 your application was received.
6. Applicants are to submit a copy of their  new study permit to immigration Canada.
7. 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) 

Applying for a TRV, applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Applicant must be able to convince the officer that he/she will leave at the of their stay
• Must be able to convince the officer that you will not work or study in Canada except authorized to do so
• Abide by the law and avoid any criminal activity 
• Having a good health status
• Not been a risk to Canada 
• Show financial stability of being able to care for yourself during your stay in Canada.