Applying for a Study permit extension

What is a Study permit? 

It is a permit that allows international students to study at a Canadian Designated learning institution (DLI). However, a study permit is not a travel document; students will still need to apply for a separate visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada. 

The Study permit is a vital document for international students studying in Canada. Its popularity has boomed in recent years with the country’s growing reputation as a destination for higher studies. To put it into perspective, Canada had over 621,600 study permit holders in 2021 alone- a remarkable figure, given the restrictions around international travel in the wake of the pandemic. 

How much does a Study permit cost? 

A study permit costs $150 

Am I eligible for a Canadian Study permit? 

As an international student, you must meet some basic requirements to be eligible for a study permit. The applicant must: 

• Be enrolled at a designated learning institutions 
• Prove they have the finances to pay for tuition fees, living expenses and return transport to their country of origin 
• Obey the law and have no previous record of criminal activity 
• Be in good health 
• Prove that they intend to leave Canada when their permit expires 

Additional conditions and responsibilities of the student, as stated by the IRCC, include:  

• making progress toward completion of the program 
• respecting the conditions listed on the study permit 
• stop studying when they no longer meet the listed conditions. 

What documents are required for a Study permit? 

Applicants will need  

• A valid passport or travel document  
• Proof of financial support 
• Letter of explanation that details why you want to study in Canada 
• A Quebec Acceptance certificate (CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec 

What is the minimum fund required to apply for a Canadian Study permit? 

The amount of funds required for individuals to support themselves and additional members outside Quebec is as follows: 

What are designated learning institutions? 

A Designated learning institution is a Canadian institution that has been approved to host international students. Primary and secondary schools are automatically designated DLIs, and the IRCC has a list of all designated post-secondary institutions. 

What is the duration of a study permit 

A study permit is valid for the length of the study program and an additional 90 days following its completion. 

The subsection R222(1) states that a study permit becomes invalid once any of the following conditions are met: 

• 90 days have passed after the permit holder completes their study 
• A removal order made against the permit holder becomes enforceable 
• The day the study permit expires 

What is an extension of a study permit? 

Students with expiring study permits must apply for an extension to continue studying in Canada. 

Permit holders are legally obliged to leave Canada upon the expiration of their study permit. The IRCC grants an additional 90 days after the expiry of a study permit to give students enough time to leave Canada or extend their stay. 

How much does a study permit extension cost? 

Extending a Study permit costs $150 

What is the processing time for study permit extensions? 

The processing time for extensions is 75 days. 

How to apply for an extension of Study Permit 

International students with expiring study permits should apply for an extension at least thirty days before the expiry of their current permit to avoid being sent back. 

You’ll be required to answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist. This includes your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning institution if you’re applying for the first time. 

Applicants can then create an IRCC account from which they can submit their application, clear their fees and check the status of their application. 

What documents are required for a study permit extension? 

Your personalized document checklist will usually include the following items: 

• Proof of student status- This can include: 
• An enrollment certificate from your University with the program completion date. 
• A letter of Acceptance if you haven’t started your academic program. 
• A Co-op letter if you want to apply for a co-op work permit during your stay. 
• An academic transcript that details all your courses attempted along with your grades 
• Proof of identity: Students applying for an extension will need to provide the following documents: 
• A valid passport 
• A valid study permit 
• A recent Canadian passport-sized photo 
• Proof of financial support- A proof of financial support must include the following: 
• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name 
• Proof of a student/ education loan from a financial institution 
• Your bank statements from the past four months 
• A bank draft in convertible currency 
• Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees 
• A letter from the person or institution providing you with money 
• Proof of funding if you have a scholarship  
• A Medical report 
• A letter of explanation- This letter is required for students who: 
• Attended multiple programs or institutions 
• Had authorized or unauthorized leaves 
• Had previous applications rejected or refused 
• Want to start a new program 
• Want to apply for a Co-op work permit at the same time 
• Want to change their names or passport information on their study permit 
• An application fee 

Latest updates for the Study permit 

Per a news release dated October 7, 2022, the IRCC has lifted the 20-hour-per-week limit on study permit holders for off-campus work until December 31, 2023. Study permit holders with off-campus work authorization can work more than 20 hours per week. 

The IRCC also plans to launch a pilot project to automate the processing of study permit extensions. Since applicants for extensions have already had their study permits approved at least once, their approval rates are much higher. This program will help to reduce processing times and improve overall client service.