Canada Study Permit Extension: What to Know for 2024

From our first-hand examination, many international students have compelling advantages to pursue and extend their studies in Canada.

Your studies may extend beyond the expiry date indicated on your student permit. If so, you must apply for a study permit extension to continue your educational program legally!

This article will give you all the essential knowledge for Canadian study permit extensions. We’ll cover all the fundamental components of permit extensions—helping your application process be as seamless as possible.

This article will function as a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about study permit extensions in Canada. It will provide an extensive overview and share crucial insights into the following topics:

• What is a study permit extension?
• Key steps in the Canadian study permit extension process
• Timing considerations for Canada study permit extension
• What to do if your study permit has already expired?

Are you looking for comprehensive information on successfully applying for a study permit extension in Canada? Let’s get into it!

What is a study permit extension?

A study permit extension (SPE) allows students to extend their stay in Canada to continue school beyond the expiration date on their current student permit.

You can find the date that your permit expires at the top right corner of the permit. This date generally covers the entire course duration plus 90 days. The extra 90 days allow students time to extend their stay or prepare to leave the country.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues your study permit, which allows you to enroll in a Canadian school. IRCC will also issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa, allowing you to enter and stay in Canada under the terms of your study permit.

Reasons for extending a Canadian study permit

It’s almost time to dive into the steps, considerations, and implications of extending a study permit in Canada. However, it’s important first to understand why some individuals need to extend their study permit.

Let’s run through some of the most common reasons why people choose to extend their Canadian study permit:

Pursuit of further studies

Planning on pursuing further studies can provide many long-term benefits for international students in Canada. You can extend your permit for additional post-graduate studies such as honours, masters, or doctorate programs.

Medical reasons or personal issues

Those experiencing illness, severe health-related issues, or tragic personal incidents may be eligible to apply for study permit extensions.

External factors affecting duration

There are external factors that can affect the duration of your study. For example, deferring your program start date upon arrival, strikes, and school closures can affect the duration of your study courses.

Gap in study schedule

International students may also experience gaps in their studies. For instance, a scheduled break in the summer, switching programs, changing institutions, and more.

Changes in immigration policies

Lastly, immigration policy changes can significantly. These changes may impact study permit conditions in line with your circumstances as an international student. You may have to extend your study permit.

Key steps in the Canadian study permit extension process

Applying for a study permit extension in Canada must begin at least 30 days before the expiration of your permit. You can apply for an extension with BorderPass:

1. Login to your account (or create an account if you don’t already have one)
2. Complete the Getting Started Assessment, if you haven’t already done so
3. In the Applications tab, navigate to Study Permit Extension and complete the application

Here, you can submit all the necessary documents, requirements, and appropriate forms through BorderPass.

Writing a letter of explanation

You may need a letter of explanation for some instances. These include losing your status and applying to restore it or any previous unauthorized stay, study, or work in Canada.

Timing considerations for Canada study permit extension

Let’s examine two of the most integral timing factors when applying for a study permit extension in Canada.

When to apply for extension for Canada study permit extension

Students must submit a renewal application for their study permits at least 30 days before the labeled expiration date. Make sure your passport is valid before applying for the extension. If you ever travel out of Canada with an expired passport, you will not be allowed to re-enter the country.  

Average processing time for extension applications

The processing time for study permit extension applications will ultimately depend on the workload of the Canadian Consulate. Generally speaking, it will take at least 30 days.

Therefore, your application must be submitted before the final 30 days of your permit. You can check out the estimated processing times on this Immigration Canada page.  

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What to do if your study permit has already expired?

Suppose you are unable to send an extension application before the expiry date. You’ll need to know the steps towards immediate restoration.

Understanding the implications of an expired permit

Let’s say your study permit has expired, and you have failed to apply to restore it. Unfortunately, you have committed an offense under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

You may have to attend a hearing and be required to leave Canada. You could also face a six-month ban from applying for a study permit.

Steps to restore your student status

You may wish to remain in Canada after your study permit expires. In this case, you can apply to restore your student status within 90 days of expiration.

Recognize the lapse in status

If you remain in Canada for no longer than 90 days after the authorized period of stay, you may be eligible for status restoration. This restoration is contingent upon meeting the initial permit requirements and complying with all conditions.

Stop studying immediately

The next step is to stop any current academic programs because continuing to do so violates your study permit conditions. As mentioned above, it can have severe consequences with possible legal repercussions.

Gather necessary documents

Like applying for a study permit extension, a status restoration application needs documentation. You must compile and make copies of all the indicated items on your document checklist.

Apply for an extension on BorderPass

BorderPass is dedicated to assisting international students in the Canadian immigration process. BorderPass offers services like study permit applications, extensions, and many more.

Here are the steps to apply:

1. Login to your account (or create an account if you don’t already have one)
2. Complete the Getting Started Assessment, if you haven’t already done so
3. In the Applications tab, navigate to Study Permit Extension and complete the application

Here, you can submit all the necessary documents, requirements, and appropriate forms through BorderPass.

Remain in Canada and wait for a decision

BorderPass recommends that you do not leave Canada while waiting for a decision. If you travel outside Canada while your study permit has expired and prior to receiving approval of your extension application, when you return to Canada you cannot resume studying or working until IRCC has made a decision on your application.

If you must travel outside of Canada, apply for your study permit extension early and help avoid interrupting your studies and work

If approved, receive your restored student status

Once IRCC grants your application, you will be notified online, and it will be sent directly to your mailing address.

If denied, contact your BorderPass lawyer

If IRCC denies your application, you may have to leave Canada. In this instance, you should first contact your BorderPass lawyer to work through what to do next. Your BorderPass lawyer will help you work through all available options and provide expert advice on how best to proceed.

A BorderPass membership includes connections with Canadian immigration lawyers and access to professional legal experts in immigration. Services from these experts include email and chat support with prompt response times during working hours.

Key takeaways

A study permit is one of the most vital documents for international students in Canada. It’s crucial to remember its expiration date and apply for an extension if you plan to continue studying in Canada.

By understanding the guidelines and requirements, you can ensure that your application process can be as seamless as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t extend my study permit in time?

If you cannot complete your courses when your student permit is valid, you have to apply for an extension. Otherwise, you will have to stop studying and may be required to leave Canada.

Can I work while my extension is being processed?

No. You are not permitted to work and study until your application has been approved, but you can remain in Canada as a temporary resident until you receive the decision.

What countries do international students typically come from?

International students typically come from countries like China, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Peru, Pakistan, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Morocco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and many more.