When to apply
- Before the expiry date printed on the study permit.
- Early enough to gather enrolment and financial evidence.
- Before starting at a new post-secondary DLI.
- Whenever the program timeline will exceed the current authorization.
Study Permit Extension
Study Permit Extension in Canada
Continue your studies. Extend your stay with confidence.
A study permit extension lets you keep studying when your current permit is running short. Simmi Immigration helps you renew on time — or restore your status if the permit has already expired.
Overview
Extending a study permit in Canada
If your studies will continue beyond the expiry date on your permit, apply for an extension before it expires. IRCC recommends applying early enough to correct missing information or respond to document requests.
The application should show that you continue to meet the conditions of your stay, remain enrolled as required and have enough funds for the next period of study.
Maintained status while waiting
When a complete extension application is submitted before expiry, you may remain in Canada while IRCC makes a decision. You may generally continue studying under the same conditions until a decision, provided you stay in Canada and remain eligible.
Travel can affect the practical benefit of maintained status. Review re-entry documents and study authorization before leaving Canada while an extension is pending.
If the permit has expired
A person who lost student status may be able to apply for restoration within 90 days of losing status, if they meet the requirements. Restoration is not guaranteed.
You cannot continue studying while restoration and the new study permit are being processed. If restoration is unavailable or refused, departure may be required.
School or program changes
Changing to a different post-secondary DLI requires a study permit extension for the new school and, in most cases, a new PAL or TAL. A change of program at the same DLI may follow a different process.
The extension package should explain changes in school, program level, study timeline, gaps or academic progress so the updated plan is easy to understand.
Key information
Eligibility and application requirements
Eligibility, supporting evidence and practical considerations for this application.
What IRCC will review
- Continued enrolment and academic progress.
- The reason more time or a new permit is needed.
- Funds for tuition, living expenses and transportation.
- Compliance with the conditions of the current permit.
Restoration rules
- Apply within 90 days of losing student status.
- Explain the circumstances that led to the loss of status.
- Pay both restoration and study permit fees.
- Stop studying until status and the permit are restored.
Common problems
- Waiting until after expiry to prepare the application.
- Missing enrolment, transcript or financial evidence.
- Unexplained study gaps or repeated program changes.
- Assuming a pending restoration application authorizes study.
Checklist
Study permit extension checklist
Your personalized checklist may include additional documents.
- Passport and current study permit.
- Recent letter of enrolment or new letter of acceptance.
- Recent transcript or evidence of academic progress.
- PAL, TAL or Quebec CAQ where required.
- Proof of tuition payment and available funds.
- Letter explaining the extension, program change or study gap.
- New-DLI documents if changing post-secondary institutions.
- Restoration explanation and fee receipt if status has expired.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Check expiry
Confirm the deadline and current permit conditions.
- 2
Review enrolment
Collect the new LOA, enrolment letter and transcript.
- 3
Check attestations
Confirm whether a PAL, TAL or CAQ is needed.
- 4
Update finances
Show funds for the remaining study period.
- 5
Submit online
Apply before expiry and save proof of submission.
- 6
Follow your status
Study only as permitted while the decision is pending.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Apply before the expiry date. IRCC commonly recommends applying at least 30 days in advance, but earlier preparation gives more time to correct missing documents.
If you applied before expiry and remain in Canada, you may generally continue studying under the same conditions while waiting, provided you continue to meet the requirements.
You may be eligible to apply for restoration within 90 days of losing status. You must stop studying until IRCC restores your student status and issues the study permit.
It depends. An extension at the same DLI and level may be exempt, while changing to a new post-secondary DLI generally requires a new PAL or TAL unless another exemption applies.
A study permit cannot normally be issued beyond passport validity. Renewing the passport first may prevent a shortened permit, depending on timing.
Travel can affect re-entry and your ability to resume studies. A study permit is not a travel document, so also check whether you need a valid visitor visa or eTA before leaving.
Next step
Need to extend your study permit?
We confirm your timing, prepare your enrolment and funds evidence, and file your extension — or restoration — correctly.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
Talk to a regulated consultant
We confirm eligibility, flag the risks, and build the document plan before anything is filed.
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