After obtaining a study permit, students need to extend/ change the permit during their studies in Canada. Here’s how you can extend your stay in Canada as a student. 

A study permit expires 90 days after the end of a study program. If you do not finish your program before the date of your study permit, then you need to apply to extend your stay in Canada as a student. Moreover, if you finish/ complete your program early, your permit will expire 90 days after that, irrespective of the original date on your study permit. 

IRCC advises students to apply to extend their study permit at least 30 days before their current permit expires. However, they suggest applying more than 30 days before it expires to account for any delays or other issues that you might encounter in the process.  

If you are studying in Quebec, you might also need to get a new Quebec Acceptance Certificate. Also, as a general rule, if you need a study permit, you also need a CAQ. 

If Your Study Permit Is Yet To Expire 

Suppose you submit an application for renewal, change, or extension before the present status expires. In that case, you are considered to be on ‘maintained status’ as a visitor/ temporary resident until IRCC has made a decision on your application. 

Moreover, if your status expires before IRCC decides on your application, you will only be able to continue studying as long as you stay in Canada. 

Maintaining legal status throughout this process is extremely important. It is imperative that you do not exceed the duration of your stay in Canada without first applying for a change in status. 

If Your Study Permit Has Already Expired 

If you haven’t applied to extend your study permit & your permit expires, you have lost your status in Canada. You can’t begin or restart your studies until IRCC has restored your status & issued a new study permit. In addition, you have 90 days to apply to restore your status & extend your permit. 

There is a CAD 200 fee to restore your status, along with CAD 150 for the new study permit. 

If You Are Planning To Travel Outside Canada  

Make sure you have the necessary travel documents you need to re-enter Canada. You should have a valid travel document to re-enter the nation. 

If You Have Applied For A Different Permit 

If you were a student but have applied for a work permit instead, you aren’t allowed to keep studying while waiting for the decision on your work permit application. Moreover, you also cannot work until IRCC has approved your application. 

However, you are allowed to stay in Canada as a visitor/ temporary resident until you get a decision on your application. 

How Can I Remain In Canada After I Graduate? 

In order to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must maintain legal status by: 

  • Applying for other types of work permits depending on your eligibility & situation.   
  • Applying to change your status to visitors. 
  • Applying for a second study permit enables you to continue your studies. 

Some graduates are eligible for the PGWP, which enables students to stay in Canada & obtain Canadian work experience. 

As an international graduate, you might be eligible for PGWP as long as: 

  • You completed a Post Graduation Work Permit -eligible program from a DLI.
  • The program was eight months long.
  • You were a full-time student during every semester. Part-time status is acceptable in the last semester of studies or if you have become a part-time student as a result of pandemic disruptions.
  • You have a transcript/ letter confirming that you have finished/ completed your studies.
  • You apply within 180 days of finishing/ completing your program & obtaining your transcripts.