How to extend your study permit from within Canada

To extend your study permit from within Canada, you can follow these steps:

1. Create your document checklist: Review the list of documents required to extend your study permit. You can find the list on the official website of the Government of Canada.
2. Gather your required documents: Collect all the documents mentioned in the checklist. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents before you start filling out the application form.
3. Fill out the application form: You can apply for a study permit extension online. The application form is available on the official website of the Government of Canada. You will need to provide your personal information, details about your current study permit, and information about your school and program of study.
4. Pay the application fee: The application fee for extending your study permit is $150 CAD. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or debit card.
5. Submit your application: After you have filled out the application form and paid the fee, you can submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation message after submitting your application.

When to extend the study permit for Canada?

Canada Study Permits are valid for the period during which you are studying, plus 90 days to prepare for your departure. When your study permit is about to expire, and you still need to attend school in order to earn your degree, you may need to apply for an extension.

You must submit an application to renew your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. Check your study permit’s expiration date by looking in its top right corner. Before applying for an extension, make sure your passport is still valid. If your passport has expired, you cannot get an extension, and if you leave Canada with an expired passport, you cannot return.

If your study permit is about to expire and you intend to travel outside of Canada, you must first apply for it and then travel. Do not leave Canada if your permit is about to expire.

Your old study permit will expire during the time that your application is being processed, so you will be allowed to stay in Canada until a decision is made on whether to renew your study permit.

You will need to leave Canada if your study permit has already expired and you have not applied for an extension. Once outside of Canada, you can apply for a new study permit or for restoring your student status.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit Extension?

To extend your study permit, you must start the process at least 30 days before the expiration date. You can either apply online or submit your documents on paper. It is recommended that you apply online to make the process easier. If you decide to apply on paper, you must follow the same process outlined below, but you must also contact the government of the province where you live to find out where to send your documents.

To apply for an extension of your study permit, you must follow these steps:

1. Login to your account on the Government of Canada website. If you do not have an account, then you can create one through your bank account details of through the Government of Canada Key (GCKey).
2. Start your application for the extension of your study permit by going to this link.
3. Submit the necessary forms such as:
   • IMM 5709 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student;
   • IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union if you have a common law partner that you would like to remain with you in Canada;
   • IMM 5646 – Custodian Declaration if you have a child studying in Canada under the custody of another person;
   • IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative if you are using a representative of you for the application purposes.
     In the application form, you will be required to write the document number on the study permit. This is also called a Unique Client Identifier (UCI), which you will find on your study permit or on any letter that have been sent to you by the Canadian Government.

4. With these forms, you will also have to attach supporting documents as the ones required on the initial Canada study permit application

The required language for all documents is either English or French. Translated documents must also be accompanied by proof of accuracy. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to provide biometric information if a visa is required to enter Canada. In this case, the Canadian Consulate will reach out to schedule an appointment, which you must attend. If a visa is not necessary and only an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is needed, biometric data will not be required until 2019.

Submitting supporting documents and application forms must be done either online through your Government of Canada account login or by mail.

How long is the processing time for a study permit extension application?

After you submit your application for an extension of your study permit, an answer will be sent to you within 30 days, depending on the workload of the Canadian Consulate.

If the answer has not been sent to you within 120 days of submitting your application, you should contact the Canadian Consulate. This is because you need to know whether your status in Canada is still valid or if you have to leave the country and reapply for a study permit.

If your extension is approved, you will be able to stay in Canada until the end of your program. If it is denied, you will have to return home.

What are the fees for extending a Canada student permit?

For an extension application to be processed, you must pay CAD$150 per person, plus CAD$85 if you are required to submit biometrics.

If you refuse to pay the fees, the Canadian Consulate will automatically deny your extension application.

Should I apply for extensions for my family too?

When your temporary resident permit expires, then your spouse or common law partner and minor children must leave Canada with you, as their status is dependent on yours.

When you extend your study permit, you must also extend the resident permits for your family members. If you only extend your study permit, but not your family’s, they will have to leave Canada while you study.

So that the Canadian Consulate knows you are applying as a family, it is recommended to submit your study permit extension application together with your family’s temporary resident permit extension application.

Conclusion:

Studying in Canada as an international student requires careful management of your study permit. When extending your permit, timely action is crucial – initiate the process at least 30 days before expiry. Applying online, submitting accurate documents, and paying the required fees are essential steps. While awaiting a decision, you can stay in Canada, but travel cautiously. Remember, your family’s permits are tied to yours, so apply for extensions simultaneously. A successful extension allows you to continue your education, but if denied, returning home may be necessary. Always stay informed and comply with Canadian immigration regulations for a seamless educational experience.

FAQs:

1. When should I extend my Canada Study Permit?
   • Begin the extension process at least 30 days before your study permit expires to ensure continuity in your education.
2. How do I apply for a study permit extension?
   • Log in to your Government of Canada account, start the application process [online](this link), and submit the required forms and supporting documents.
3. What is the processing time for a study permit extension?
   • You can expect a response within 30 days, but if not received within 120 days, contact the Canadian Consulate for clarification.
4. What are the fees for extending a Canada student permit?
   • The processing fee is CAD$150 per person, with an additional CAD$85 if biometrics are required.
5. Should I apply for extensions for my family too?
   • Yes, family members’ permits are dependent on yours, so it’s advisable to submit their extension applications together with yours to ensure continuity.
6. Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for the extension?
   • If your study permit is still valid, you can travel, but avoid leaving if the permit is about to expire.
7. What if my study permit extension is denied?
   • If denied, you may have to return to your home country. Ensure all requirements are met to increase the likelihood of approval.