If you’re considering renewing your study permit to pursue another degree, here are some tips to help you begin the process.
What to do if my study permit expires?
If you want to continue studying in Canada, but your study permit has expired, you’ll need to
- apply for a new study permit and
- restore your status as a temporary resident in Canada.
If you submit your application after your permit has lapsed, you can remain in Canada; however, you may not be able to resume your studies until your status is restored and you obtain the new study permit.
When should I apply for my study permit extension?
To extend your study permit, it is essential to submit your application 30 days before the expiration date. Additionally, ensure that your passport does not expire concurrently when applying.
How do I apply for an extension?
To request an extension, you must submit your application online via the Government of Canada website. Alternatively, if you face challenges applying online due to a disability or encounter a barrier that makes online applications unreliable, you are eligible to apply on paper.
APPLYING ONLINE
To start applying online, here are a few steps to get started.
Step 1:
Have a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card
Step 2:
Read the instruction guide before filling out your forms
– This guide explains how to complete each field in the form
Step 3:
Read the questions thoroughly and prepare your answers
– Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. IRCC will use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.
Step 4:
Know the fees you have to pay
– In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and family members that you include in your application.
Step 5:
Create an online account
You need an account to apply online, you can use your account to:
- pay your fees
- submit your application
- check your status
Step 6:
Upload the immigration forms and the rest of the requirements on your online account and submit.
APPLYING THROUGH PAPER
If you encounter a disability that hinders you from extending your study permit online or you find it hard to apply and submit an online application, you may still renew your study permit through the paper application process.
Step 1:
Get the application package
– In this package, you’ll be able to find all of the necessary documents you may/will need to fill out. The documents includes:
- Document Checklist
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
- Custodian Declaration
- Use of a Representative (if you do have a Representative who will assist you with the process)
Step 2:
– Prepare your application package
- Fill out the immigration forms and do not forget to validate (by clicking the “Validate” button at the top of the form) to ensure that all necessary information has been filled out
- A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
- Review, print, sign, and indicate the date on the form.
Step 3:
Pay your application fees
– Typically, your fees will encompass processing fees for both you and any family member that you have included in your application.
Step 4:
Mail your application
– Mail your finalized application to the provided address in the application package, ensuring that you enclose the fee receipt and all required documents. It might be a good idea to have your mail registered in order to track the status of your mailed application and ensure that it was sent to the right destination.
How long is the processing time?
It typically takes approximately 133 days from the receipt of your application to the decision-making stage.
What to do if my permit expires?
If your permit has expired, you will lose your temporary residency status in Canada if any of the following applies to you:
- Your study permit expired before you applied for a new one.
- You changed the conditions on your study permit such as
- your DLI
- type of study
- location of study
- time period of study
- You didn’t respect the conditions of your study permit.
Once you lose your status, you will be unable to study in Canada until IRCC has restored your status as a student. Please note that the application for restoration of status needs to be done within 90 days of the expiry date if you want to stay in Canada.
If all these steps and processes seem overwhelming, the Immigration team of JCA LAW can guide you and apply for your study permit extension or restoration of status on your behalf.
