At a glance
| Extension fee | $150 |
| Biometrics | $85, if you have not given them in the last 10 years |
| When to apply | At least 30 days before your permit expires (recommended: 60–90 days) |
| Restoration fee (if expired) | $246.25 restoration + $150 study permit ($396.25) |
| Restoration deadline | Within 90 days of losing status |
Who needs a study permit extension?
You should apply to extend if:
- Your program is taking longer than expected (extra courses, failed courses, approved breaks)
- You are continuing to a new program at the same school
- Your permit was shortened by your passport's expiry date and you have a new passport
- You are moving from one level of study to another (for example, diploma to degree)
You may need a new study permit, not just an extension, if you are changing schools (DLI). Since November 8, 2024, you can't change schools on the same study permit: you need a new one, by applying to extend your current permit, before you start at the new post-secondary DLI.
Requirements for a study permit extension
To extend, you must:
- Be in Canada with valid status (or apply for restoration)
- Be enrolled at a designated learning institution
- Be actively studying and making progress in your program
- Have followed the conditions of your current permit (full-time study, work hours)
- Show you have enough money for tuition and living costs
- Have a valid passport for the full extension period, if possible
Do I need a PAL for an extension?
Usually not, if you are extending to continue at the same school and the same level of study. You usually need a new Provincial Attestation Letter if you're changing schools (since January 22, 2025) or changing your level of study, unless an exemption applies.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- Current study permit
- Letter of enrolment from your school showing program, start and end date, and expected completion date
- Transcripts showing your academic progress
- Explanation letter if your program is taking longer (failed courses, medical leave, approved break)
- Proof of funds: bank statements, tuition receipts, scholarships or sponsor letters
- New letter of acceptance if starting a new program
- PAL if required
- Digital photo
- Medical exam, if IRCC requires one for you
How to extend your study permit: step by step
- Check your expiry date. Mark a reminder at least 90 days before it.
- Get your enrolment letter and recent transcripts from your school.
- Prepare proof of funds for the extra time.
- Write a letter of explanation if your program has been extended.
- Apply online through your IRCC account.
- Pay the fee and give biometrics if requested.
- Keep your submission confirmation. It is your proof of maintained status.
- Wait for the decision inside Canada.
Maintained status: what you can do while you wait
If you apply before your permit expires, you have maintained status until IRCC decides.
| While on maintained status | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Stay in Canada | Yes |
| Continue studying | Yes, under the same conditions |
| Work off campus | Yes, if your current permit allowed it and you keep meeting the conditions |
| Travel outside Canada | You can leave, but maintained status ends when you leave. You may not be allowed back in to study until the extension is approved |
Do not travel while on maintained status unless you get advice first.
If your extension is refused, you lose maintained status. You must stop studying and working, and leave Canada or apply for restoration within 90 days.
My study permit expired. What now?
If your permit expired and you did not apply in time, you have lost your status. You may be able to restore it:
- Stop studying and working immediately. You are not allowed to continue until status is restored.
- Apply for restoration within 90 days of losing status.
- Pay the restoration fee plus the study permit fee.
- Explain why your status expired and show you meet all requirements.
- Wait inside Canada. You cannot study or work while restoration is processing.
After 90 days, restoration is no longer possible. You would have to leave Canada and apply from outside. Act fast.
Study permit extension vs PGWP
If you have finished your program, you usually do not need a study permit extension. Instead, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of completing your program. If you apply for your PGWP before your study permit expires, you can usually work full-time while you wait.
Common reasons for extension refusal
- Not enrolled or not actively studying
- Poor academic progress without explanation
- Part-time study during regular sessions without approval
- Working more hours than allowed
- Not enough proof of funds
- Program taking much longer than expected with no clear reason
- Changing DLI without the required new permit
How Trueman Immigration helps
- Timeline check: when to apply to keep your status safe
- Document review: enrolment, transcripts, funds and explanation letters
- Extension application filed correctly the first time
- School changes: check if you need a new permit or PAL
- Restoration of status within the 90-day window
- PGWP planning for your final semester