How To Extend Student Visa in Canada

Canada is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and post-graduation opportunities. However, to continue your studies legally, you must maintain a valid study permit. If your permit is about to expire, you must apply for an extension before it does.

This detailed guide addresses all aspects of extending your study permit in Canada, including specific considerations for minors, restoration of status, and financial requirements. It is designed to provide a thorough understanding for international students navigating the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes.

Overview of Study Permit Extension

Extending your study permit is essential to continue your education in Canada legally. The process involves applying online through the IRCC secure account, ensuring you meet all requirements, and submitting necessary documentation. The application fee for extending a study permit is $150, and it’s recommended to apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires to maintain your status. If your permit has expired, you can apply for restoration of status within 90 days, which involves additional fees and restrictions.

How to Extend Your Study Permit

To extend your study permit, follow these steps:

• Apply Online: Use the IRCC secure account, accessible at IRCC secure account. This is mandatory for in-Canada applications, ensuring maintained status during processing.
• Gather Documents: Ensure you have a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or letter of enrolment from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a copy of your passport’s bio-data page, and proof of financial support. As of January 22, 2025, new students may need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), though current students extending at the same level and DLI are often exempt; check PAL requirements.
• Pay Fees: The processing fee is $150. If applying for restoration, the total fee is $389.75, including $239.75 for restoration and $150 for the new permit, as per the latest fee list.
• Submit Application: Follow the online tool’s personalized checklist, ensuring all documents are uploaded. The DLI must verify your LOA by the deadline, or your application may be returned with a refund.

Also read: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Student Visa

IRCC Restoration of Status

Restoration of status is a process for regaining student status if your study permit expires and you apply within 90 days. This is crucial if you’ve lost status due to not applying for an extension in time. The process involves:

• Eligibility: You must meet the initial requirements for your stay and not have failed other conditions. You can stay in Canada during processing but cannot study or work until approved.
• Fees: The restoration fee is $239.75, plus $150 for the new study permit, totaling $389.75. This is higher than some sources might suggest ($379 in older data), so always check IRCC fees for updates.
• Application: Apply online through the IRCC secure account, providing a letter of explanation detailing why your status lapsed and supporting documents. Processing can take several months, so plan accordingly.

Letter of Explanation for Study Permit Extension

A letter of explanation is not always required but can be crucial in certain scenarios. It’s a document where you clarify additional factors, such as:

• Applying early due to travel plans or long processing times, as suggested by University of Toronto.
• Explaining delays in document submission, such as a pending passport renewal, as noted by Ontario Tech University.
• Addressing gaps in study or changes in circumstances. You can download templates from university resources, like UBC, to ensure compliance.

Processing Time for Study Permit Extension

Processing times for study permit extensions vary and can be influenced by application volume and completeness. As of recent updates, it’s advisable to check IRCC processing times weekly, as they reflect real-time data for 80% of applications. Historical data from forums suggest times around 75 days in 2024, but university advisories recommend applying 5-8 months in advance to account for delays, especially given peak periods. For example, University of Alberta notes potential delays, so plan accordingly.

Extending a Minor’s Study Permit

For minors (under 18), extending a study permit follows the same online process via IRCC secure account, but additional considerations include:

• Custodianship: If the minor is unaccompanied, a custodian in Canada (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 19 or older) must be appointed, requiring a notarized Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646), as detailed on IRCC minors studying.
• Documents: Ensure a valid LOA from the school, and the permit length is based on this letter, up to 4 years for secondary education. Apply at least 90 days before expiry to maintain status.
• Financial Proof: Similar to adults, minors must show financial support, often provided by parents or guardians, covering tuition and living costs.

Must read: Top 5 Benefits of Hiring a Student Visa Consultant

Eligibility to Apply for a Study Permit Inside Canada

You can apply for a study permit extension from within Canada if you meet specific conditions, as outlined by IRCC:

• Have a valid study permit, work permit, or are in Canada as an exchange/visiting student.
• Must be physically present in Canada during application. For initial permits, additional categories like minor children or refugee claimants may apply, but for extensions, it’s primarily those with valid temporary resident status.
• Ensure compliance with conditions, such as maintained status if applying before expiry, allowing continued study during processing.

Financial Requirements for Study Permit Extension

Financial proof is essential to demonstrate you can support yourself during studies. As of January 1, 2024, updated requirements apply to extensions, assessing ability to cover:

• Tuition fees for the remaining program duration.
• Living expenses, typically $20,635 annually for students outside Quebec, as per IRCC financial support, though 2025 figures may adjust for inflation. Check the latest on IRCC financial requirements for exact amounts.
• Additional funds for accompanying family members, if applicable. Documents like bank statements, GIC accounts, or scholarship letters can prove sufficiency, as noted by University of Saskatchewan.

Identifying the Document Number on Your Study Permit

The document number on your study permit is a unique identifier, typically a 10-digit number starting with ‘S’, found on the physical study permit document issued upon entry. This is distinct from visa sticker numbers and is used for administrative purposes, such as university forms or IRCC correspondence. For example, forums like Canada Visa Forum clarify it’s the number starting with ‘S’, often received via email post-approval.

Table of Key Fees and Requirements

Below is a summary table for quick reference:

This guide ensures you have all necessary information to navigate the extension process smoothly, with references to official sources for the most current details. 

Need help? contact our skilled student visa consultants today and get the best advice for your student visa application.