If you want to keep studying in Canada, apply online to extend your study permit before it expires, ideally at least 30 days in advance. If it has already expired, you generally need restoration of student status and a new study permit within 90 days. Your permit’s printed expiry date and passport validity control your planning.
Your first decision depends on the permit expiry date
Check the expiry date under “additional information” on your study permit. Your next step depends on whether you apply before expiry, discover that the permit has expired, or are changing your school, level of study, or permit conditions.
| Your situation | Likely next step | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Your permit is valid and you need more time | Apply for an extension from inside Canada | Submit before expiry. |
| You applied before expiry and await a decision | Keep proof of your timely application | You may have maintained status while IRCC processes the file. |
| Your permit expired before you applied | Assess restoration and a new study permit | Apply within 90 days of losing status. |
| You are changing post-secondary schools | Review the new study permit requirements | You cannot simply change schools on the same permit. |
| You are changing your study level | Check PAL or TAL and new-application requirements | Exceptions may apply. |
IRCC’s study permit extension instructions distinguish an ordinary extension from restoration after status has expired.
Build a deadline plan before the permit expires
Work backwards from the expiry date. IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before current status expires. Starting practical preparation about 90 days ahead gives you time to obtain school records, renew a passport, resolve inconsistencies, and prepare an explanation.
- About 90 days before expiry: check your passport, study permit, programme end date, enrolment status, and expected completion date. Ask your school for current proof of enrolment or the appropriate letter of acceptance.
- At least 30 days before expiry: complete the application, collect supporting evidence, resolve gaps, and submit if your documents are ready.
- Before expiry: save the confirmation, payment receipt, application number, and uploaded-document record.
- After expiry: if you did not apply on time, stop treating the case as an ordinary extension. Assess restoration immediately.
A study permit is usually valid for the length of the study programme plus 90 days. That extra period helps a student prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend their stay, but it does not replace the expiry date printed on the document. See IRCC’s guidance on study permits while you study.
How to apply for a study permit extension from inside Canada
You can generally extend your study permit from inside Canada by applying online. Confirm the route, obtain current school evidence, complete IMM 5709, upload the requested documents, pay the fee, and submit before the permit expires.
1. Confirm the correct application
An ordinary extension may fit a student continuing at the same school who needs more time because the programme is longer than expected or remains incomplete. A DLI change, level change, or status issue can alter the route.
2. Obtain current school evidence
Prepare current proof of enrolment or a letter of acceptance from your Canadian Designated Learning Institution. It should clarify your programme, current status, and expected completion date.
3. Complete IMM 5709
IMM 5709 is used to apply to change conditions, extend a stay, or remain in Canada as a student. Select the restoration option when the permit has already expired.
4. Upload evidence carefully
Follow the personalized online document list. Place the DLI letter in the designated letter-of-acceptance space. Upload clear copies of your passport, current study permit, identity documents, and other evidence relevant to your situation.
5. Pay and submit
The listed study permit fee, including extensions, is $150 per person. After submission, save the confirmation page, receipt, application number, and a complete copy of the file.
IRCC’s current instructions also explain that a DLI must verify certain letters of acceptance. If verification is not completed by the deadline, the application may be returned and the processing fee refunded.
What maintained status means after you apply
If you submit before your study permit expires, you may remain in Canada with maintained status while IRCC decides the application. This differs from a student who applies after expiry, because a late application generally requires restoration. Related reading: LMIA Application Process: Employer to Work Permit.
Maintained status does not give every student identical study or work rights. The answer depends on factors such as application timing, completeness, the conditions on the expiring permit, the activity involved, and your immigration history.
Keep the submission confirmation and old permit together. If a school or employer asks why the printed expiry date has passed, these records help show when you applied. If your case involves unauthorized study or work, a status gap, a refusal, or uncertainty about your conditions, obtain case-specific guidance before continuing the activity.
Documents to prepare for your specific situation
A strong package explains both your current student status and why you need a new permit period. Follow the personalized checklist in the application rather than treating one list as universal.
Continuing at the same DLI
- Current proof of enrolment or letter of acceptance.
- Current study permit and passport identity page.
- Evidence of your programme, expected completion date, and academic situation.
- Financial evidence if requested or relevant.
- A short explanation if your completion date changed.
Your programme is taking longer
- A school letter stating enrolment and the revised completion date.
- Academic records or an advisor’s explanation.
- Evidence of approved leave, interruption, course changes, or another event affecting progress.
- A dated letter connecting the delay to the evidence.
You are changing a DLI or level
- The new school’s letter of acceptance.
- Your current permit, passport, and previous school records.
- Evidence explaining the academic reason for the change.
- Any required PAL or TAL, or evidence supporting an exception.
Your passport expires soon
- Your current passport and study permit.
- Renewed passport evidence, if available, or an explanation of renewal timing.
- School documents showing the period needed to complete your studies.
- A comparison of your passport, permit, and programme end dates.
Your permit has expired
- The expired permit and current passport.
- School evidence showing enrolment and intended studies.
- A timeline of expiry, discovery, and actions taken afterward.
- Evidence addressing any study or work after expiry.
- A focused restoration explanation.
School changes, PAL or TAL, passport expiry, and delayed studies
These circumstances can change the application even when your goal is simply to remain in Canada as a student.
Changing a post-secondary school
Under current rules, you cannot change post-secondary schools on the same study permit. Moving to a new post-secondary DLI may require a new study permit application. Follow the current school-change instructions, since eligible students who follow the required process may qualify for faster processing in some situations.
Changing your level of study
A change in level can affect the application and whether a PAL or TAL is required. Do not assume that every extension needs a new letter, or that a previous letter remains sufficient after changing schools or levels.
As of January 22, 2025, IRCC states that a new PAL or TAL may be needed when changing schools or levels unless an exception applies. The answer depends on the specific change and current instructions.
Passport expiry
Your passport can limit the validity period of a new permit. If it expires before your programme ends, begin renewal planning early and explain the timing if the renewed document is unavailable. A permit tied to an approaching passport expiry may not cover the full period you expected.
Delayed completion or authorized leave
A delayed programme is not automatically a problem, but the application should explain the reason and timeline. If you took authorized leave, include the school’s documentation and dates. Leave, interruption, or changed enrolment can affect the assessment of your student status.
If your study permit has already expired
Restoration is separate from an ordinary extension. You generally need to apply within 90 days of losing status for restoration as a student and a new study permit.
The listed restoration fee for a student is $246.25, in addition to the $150 study permit fee, for a total of $396.25. Use the current IRCC fee list when preparing payment because fees can change.
Build a timeline showing the expiry date, whether you studied or worked afterward, when you discovered the problem, and why restoration should be considered. Do not conceal unauthorized activity or a status gap. Those facts must be addressed accurately.
If more than 90 days have passed, or you received a refusal, removal-related document, or other notice, obtain an individual assessment before choosing a next step.
When a letter of explanation strengthens the file
A letter of explanation is not automatically required for every extension. It is useful when an officer could misunderstand delayed completion, authorized leave, a DLI or level change, passport limitations, inconsistent dates, restoration, or a status gap.
- State the request: identify whether you seek an extension, restoration and a new permit, or a permit connected to a school or level change.
- Give the timeline: list permit, enrolment, programme, leave, passport, and submission dates chronologically.
- Explain the issue: describe what changed, why, and what you did.
- Connect the evidence: identify the school letter, transcript, leave approval, passport record, or other supporting document.
- State the current plan: name the programme, DLI, expected completion date, and requested status outcome.
Keep the explanation factual and consistent with the forms. A longer letter is not necessarily stronger.
Plan beyond the extension without assuming a PGWP
Extending your study permit gives you time to address ongoing studies, but it does not automatically create Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. One year of study does not automatically produce a three-year PGWP.
PGWP planning requires a separate review of the school, programme, programme length, study status, language requirements, field-of-study rules where applicable, qualifying history, and deadline. A longer permit document alone does not establish eligibility. Review this PGWP eligibility checklist before graduation.
Students comparing initial and extended study permit requirements can also review this study permit overview before submitting an application.
Questions students ask before submitting
How long do study permits last in Canada?
A study permit is usually valid for the programme length plus 90 days. The printed expiry date controls immediate planning, and passport validity can affect the document’s length.
Who needs a PAL or TAL for a study permit extension?
Not every student needs one. A new letter may be relevant when changing schools or levels, unless an exception applies. Review the current instructions for your specific change.
Can I get a three-year PGWP after one year of study?
Not automatically. PGWP eligibility and length depend on several current requirements, including the qualifying programme and study history.
Do I need a letter of explanation?
Not in every case. It is most useful when delayed completion, leave, a school change, passport concerns, inconsistent records, restoration, or a status gap needs explanation.
Can I keep studying or working while my extension is processed?
If you applied before expiry, you may remain in Canada with maintained status while IRCC decides. Whether you can study or work, and under what conditions, depends on your timing, existing permit conditions, and circumstances. Someone applying after expiry should not assume the same position.
When a case deserves individual review
Seek individual guidance before submitting if your permit expired, more than 90 days passed, you studied or worked after expiry, changed schools or levels, took unclear leave, have passport limitations, cannot reconcile dates, or received a refusal or immigration notice. These facts can change both the application route and the explanation required.
North Vista Immigration provides information about study permits and extensions for students in Canada.
For information about study permit applications and extensions, visit North Vista Immigration’s student immigration services.