Extend a Study Permit or Restore Your Visa Status for Canada

Overview of Study Permit Extension

To give you more detailed info, the study permit extension is an application process that international students need to complete to stay in Canada if their original permit is about to expire. This extension will give you more time to live and finish your remaining course.

To find the expiry date of your study permit, you can look under the “additional information” section on the permit itself. Usually, the expiration date is the length of your course or program, plus an additional 90 days. These extra 90 days give you time to either extend study permit or prepare to leave Canada.

Moreover, if your program gets completed early, then the permit will expire after 90 days, even if a different date is printed on it.

How to Extend a Study Permit in Canada?

You have to apply online on your IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) account to extend study permit in Canada.

1. Start by preparing and gathering all the required documents.
2. Now log in to your IRCC account with the help of GCKey or a Sign-in Partner.
3. Click on the "Apply for or extend a study permit" option.
4. You will then have to complete a questionnaire, which will determine your eligibility and generate a personalised document checklist.
5. Complete the online application form, which in most cases is the IMM 5709E.
6. Now upload all the required documents as well as the application form in the corresponding field. And make sure that the files are not more than 4MB.
7. Pay the processing fee of $150 CAD online and an additional $85 CAD biometrics fee if required.
8. Submit the form and wait for a decision.

A Study Permit Is Not a Visa

One thing to clear out is that a study permit is not the same as a Visa. The permit allows you to stay and complete your studies in Canada for a particular duration. A visa (like a Temporary Resident Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), on the other hand, lets you enter Canada.

So when you apply for a Canada study permit extension, you are applying to continue your stay in Canada for your studies, not a visa extension. And if you want to extend student visa Canada, then you will need to submit a separate application.

Required Documents for Study Permit Extension

For study permit extension, the required documents usually vary based on individual circumstances, but they usually include:

1. Valid Passport: You will need a scan of your bio-data page as well as all the pages that have stamps, visas, or markings from Canada. Also note that your new study permit cannot be valid beyond your passport’s expiry date.
2. Current Study Permit: A copy of your current study permit.
3. Proof of Enrolment/Acceptance: A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or a letter of enrolment from a DLI (designated learning institution) is needed to confirm if you are an active student or not.
4. Proof of Financial Support: Documents showing you have enough funds to cover your cost of studying in Canada. This includes your Canadian bank account, proof of scholarship or loan, or a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
5. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): As of January 22, 2024, the newest study permit applications also require a PAL/TAL from the province or territory where the student is studying
6. Letter of Explanation (LOE): Lastly, it is generally recommended to submit a LOE where you clarify any complex issues, provide relevant information, or explain why you need an extension.

Co-op/Internship Work Permit

When applying for a study permit extension, it is also usually recommended that you apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit. Especially if your letter of acceptance indicates that your study program has a work requirement. This is a separate permit, but you are not required to pay any additional government application fee.

You can apply for this extension on the IRCC portal itself during the Canada study permit extension process. The steps of which include:

1. When filling the online application questionnaire, you will be asked if “work is an essential component of your studies.” Click on “Yes” for this.
2. You will then be asked if "you also want to apply for a work permit." Click on "Yes, I wish to apply for a Co-Op Work Permit".
3. After this, the system will add the specific document checklist item and necessary forms. It usually includes "Evidence of Work Requirement in Study" or "Co-op Letter."

When to Apply for a Study Permit Extension? 

The best time to apply for study permit extension is at least 30 days before your original permit expires. However, it is usually recommended that you apply two to three months in advance so that you can ensure your continuous legal status in Canada.

Some key considerations include:

1. Once you submit your study permit extension application before the current one expires, you will have an “implied status”. This means you will be able to study in Canada under the same conditions until a decision is made.
2. If your original permit expires before you get a chance to apply, then you will have to immediately stop studying. However, you will be able to restore your status within 90 days, but this is a much more complicated and costly process and has different conditions.

How Long Does It Take for Study Permit Extension?

There is no fixed study permit extension processing time in Canada, and it can range from weeks to months. However, as per IRCC, the average study permit extension time is around 157 days as of November 19 2025, and is updated weekly. So it is recommended that you visit the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.

Also note that the processing time for study permit extension starts from the day the IRCC receive your complete application and usually ends when the decision is made. If your application is not complete, then your application may get delayed or returned.

How Much Funds/Fees Are Required for Study Permit Extension?

As of 2025, the study permit extension fee in Canada is around CAD $150. In addition to this, you may also be required to pay CAD $85 biometrics fees (if required).

However, do keep in mind that if you apply for an extension after your original permit expires, then you will have to apply for restoration of your student status. This can cost you an additional CAD $239.75, which will make the total study permit extension fee around CAD $389.75.

Conclusion

Summing up, after submitting the study permit extension application, the IRCC will process it and send you a study permit extension approved email. And soon after this, you will get a new study permit in the mail. Also note that you will only be able to extend student visa Canada, after you have extended your study permit.

Navigating this whole process can become quite complex, especially if you are doing it on your own. To make this simpler, you can connect with our study abroad consultants, who can either do it for you or help you every step of the way. Connect today!

FAQS

1. My Study Permit Extension Is Being Processed, Can I leave Canada?

When your study permit extension is being processed, you are allowed to leave and even re-enter Canada. But you need to have a valid travel document like a Temporary Resident Visa or eTA. Additionally, if you leave, you will lose your "maintained status" (implied status) and you cannot study until the new study permit is approved.

2. My Study Permit Extension Application Was Refused, What Can I Do?

If your study permit extension was refused, then you can first understand the reason behind the refusal, reapply with a better and stronger application, or seek judicial review. However, do note that there is no formal process for appeal within IRCC.

3. Can I Stay in The Country While My Study Permit Extension Is Being Processed?

Yes, you can legally stay in the country under “maintained status” while your study permit extension is being processed. You will also be allowed to continue your education under the same conditions as your original study permit.

4. What Happens If My Study Permit Expires Before I Apply for an Extension?

If your study permit expires before you get a chance to apply for an extension, then you lose your legal temporary resident status, and you need to stop studying immediately. You will get a 90-day grace period to restore your status.

5. Can I Renew My Study Permit from Outside the Country?

You cannot apply for a study permit extension from outside of Canada, and you have to get this process done within the country. And if you are outside of Canada, then you will have to apply for a new study permit rather than for an extension.