Easy Guide on How to Extend your Canada Study Permit

Studying in Canada is an exciting journey, but keeping your Canadian study permit valid is crucial for international students. If you're nearing the end of your current permit, don't worry - this Easy Guide on How to Extend your Canada Study Permit is here to help. Staying on top of your immigration status is essential to continue your education and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

We'll walk you through everything you need to know about extending your Canada Study Permit. From understanding when to start the process to gathering the right documents, we've got you covered.

What Happens Once Your Permit Runs Out

You lose your student standing in Canada if any of these apply to you:

• Your study permit ended before you asked for a new one.
• You altered the terms on your study permit such as your school, study program, place of study or length of study
• You didn't follow the rules of your Canadian study permit.

Once you lose your standing, you can't learn in Canada until the IRCC gives you back your status as a student. If you apply after your permit ends, you can stay in Canada but you can't study until your standing has been restored and you've gotten your new study permit.

When to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit Extension

A Canadian study permit is valid for the period of time that an international student is studying, plus an added 90 days. This is to give the student time to prepare to leave Canada. But what if your permit is close to expiring and you want to keep studying in Canada? In this case, you should apply for a study permit extension. Before applying to extend your study permit, it is important to make sure that your passport is still valid and that it does not expire before your study permit expires.

So be aware of the expiration dates on your study permit as well as on your passport, and make sure that you apply for a study permit extension before your passport expires.

Preparing for the Extension Process

Checking Eligibility Criteria

To extend your Canada Study Permit, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. First, you must be currently enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You should also have a valid passport and be able to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your extended stay. It's crucial to maintain a good academic standing and follow the conditions of your current study permit.

International students in Canada should also ensure they have not violated any terms of their current permit. This includes staying within the allowed work hours if you're employed part-time. If you've changed your program of study or institution, make sure you've notified the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about these changes.

Gathering Required Documents

To apply for a study permit extension, you'll need to gather several important documents. These typically include:

• A valid passport
• Your current study permit
• Proof of enrollment from your Canadian university or college
• Financial documents showing you can support yourself
• A letter explaining why you need to extend your stay
• Recent passport-sized photographs

You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your specific situation. For example, if you're working part-time, you might need to show proof of employment. It's a good idea to check the IRCC website or consult with an immigration advisor at your institution to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.

Verifying Passport Validity

Before applying to extend your Canada Study Permit, it's crucial to verify your passport's validity. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada, plus an additional six months. If your passport is set to expire soon, it's best to renew it before applying for your study permit extension.

Remember, your study permit cannot be extended beyond the validity of your passport. If your passport expires before your intended study period ends, you'll need to renew it and then apply for a study permit extension.

In some cases, you might need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) along with your study permit extension. This is especially important if you plan to travel outside of Canada during your studies. Your eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

By carefully preparing for the extension process, checking your eligibility, gathering all required documents, and ensuring your passport is valid, you'll be well on your way to extending your stay as an international student in Canada. This easy guide aims to make the process smoother for you, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy your time in this beautiful country.

How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit Extension

Follow these five simple steps if you want to extend your study permit.

Post-Application Considerations

Processing Times

After submitting your application to extend your Canada Study Permit, it's important to be aware of the processing times. These can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While you wait for a decision, it's crucial to keep track of your application status through your online IRCC account. We recommend checking regularly for any updates or requests for additional information.

Maintained Status

One of the key benefits of applying for an extension before your current study permit expires is that you can maintain your status as an international student in Canada. This means you're legally allowed to stay in the country and continue your studies at your Canadian university while your application is being processed. However, it's important to note that while on maintained status, you may face some limitations. For instance, you won't be able to renew certain provincial or territorial documents, such as your driver's license or health card. You also won't be able to get a new Social Insurance Number (SIN) card during this period.

Travel Restrictions During Processing

If you're planning to travel outside of Canada while your study permit extension is being processed, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Your study permit is not a travel document, and it doesn't allow you to travel in and out of Canada freely. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visitor visa or an eTA to re-enter Canada. If your study permit extension is still being processed when you return from your travels, you may be allowed to re-enter Canada on a visitor visa. However, in this case, you won't be able to resume your studies until you receive your new study permit.

What to do if Your Application is Refused

In the event that your application for a Canada Study Permit extension is refused, it's important not to panic. The first step is to carefully review the reasons for the refusal provided by IRCC. If you believe there's been an error or you have new information that could change the decision, you may be able to apply for reconsideration. Alternatively, you might need to leave Canada within the specified timeframe or apply to restore your status as a student. In such situations, it's often helpful to seek advice from an immigration consultant or the international student office at your Canadian university.

For further assistance, you can consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), who will provide you with the most up-to-date information and requirements. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining your status as an international student in Canada and making the most of your educational journey.

FAQs

What Does "Maintained Status" Mean?

"Maintained status" means that if you apply to extend or change the conditions of your study permit before it expires, you're legally allowed to remain in Canada while your application is being processed.

Do my Family Members Need to Restore Their Status if They're in Canada With Me?

Yes, if your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children are in Canada with you, they may need to restore their status if it has expired.