Canada Study Permit Extension Overview

To continue studying in Canada, you must maintain a valid study permit. Extensions or renewals must be applied for at least 30 days before expiry, ideally 3-6 months in advance, to ensure maintained status and renewal of other documents (e.g., SIN, health insurance). The 2026 study permit cap is 437,000, requiring a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Quebec CAQ.

Key Context: 2026 Study Permit Policy

  • Quota Restrictions: The 2025-2027 immigration plan sets a 437,000 study permit cap, requiring a PAL, including for master’s and doctoral students (effective January 2025).
  • Maintained Status: Applying before expiry allows continued study and work until approval, but you cannot leave Canada.
  • Processing Time: In-Canada extensions take approximately 3-4 months; plan ahead to avoid status interruptions.

Pre-Application Preparation

Successful study permit extensions require early preparation to ensure complete documentation and legal status. Quebec students must renew their CAQ through MIFI first. Below are key preparation steps.

Preparation Checklist

  • Check Validity: Verify the expiry dates of your study permit, passport, and CAQ (if in Quebec); the study permit cannot exceed the validity of your passport or CAQ.
  • Confirm DLI Status: Extensions require continued enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and PAL/CAQ are needed if changing schools.
  • Financial Proof: Outside Quebec: CAD 22,895 (living expenses) + tuition (CAD 15,000-29,000) + travel (CAD 1,000-2,000); Quebec: CAD 11,000 + tuition.
  • Study Plan: Prepare a letter of explanation detailing reasons for extension, study progress, and future plans (e.g., PGWP or PR) to strengthen your application.
  • Other Documents: Update your SIN (for off-campus work), provincial health insurance, and related permits (e.g., Co-op work permit).

Study Permit Extension Application Steps

Below are the detailed steps for extending a study permit in Canada, applied through an IRCC secure account (GCKey/Sign-in Partner). Quebec students must renew their CAQ first. Applications from outside Canada use the IRCC portal.

  • Check Validity and Eligibility
    Confirm the expiry dates of your study permit, passport, and CAQ (Quebec); the study permit cannot exceed passport or CAQ validity. Renew your passport 6 months in advance and apply for extension 3-6 months before expiry, ensuring DLI enrollment.
  • Renew CAQ (Quebec Students)
    Quebec students must renew their CAQ online via MIFI, providing an LOA, financial proof (CAD 11,000 + tuition), and passport. Processing takes approximately 20-30 business days.
  • Collect Required Documents
    Includes: IMM5709 form, passport scans (personal information and visa/stamp pages), DLI enrollment proof (LOA/enrollment letter), financial proof, and a letter of explanation (for study interruptions or special circumstances). Quebec requires a valid CAQ.
  • Log into IRCC Secure Account
    Use GCKey or Sign-in Partner to log into your IRCC account, select “Apply to come to Canada” → “Visitor visa, study or work permit” → answer the questionnaire to generate a personalized document checklist.
  • Complete and Upload IMM5709 Form
    Download the IMM5709 form (Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student), follow IRCC guidelines, and upload it to your account. Ensure consistency to avoid refusal risks.
  • Pay Application Fees
    Study permit extension fee: CAD 150; biometric fee: CAD 85 (if required). Payment via Visa, MasterCard, or Debit card, valid for 18 months for refunds. Save the confirmation number after submission.
  • Complete Biometrics (if Required)
    If you haven’t provided fingerprints and a photo in the past 10 years, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) after submission. Complete biometrics at a designated Canadian service center (CAD 85, book in advance).
  • Track Application Status
    Processing takes approximately 3-4 months (2025 data). Check status via your IRCC account. Upon approval, the new study permit is mailed to a Canadian address within 2-6 weeks; monitor your mail.
  • Update Other Permits
    After approval, renew your SIN (for off-campus work), provincial health insurance, and related permits (e.g., Co-op work permit). Notify IRCC if changing DLI.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth study permit extension application.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing Application Deadline: Failing to apply 30 days before expiry may lead to loss of status, requiring restoration (CAD 229).
  • Incomplete Documents: Missing LOA, financial proof, or CAQ/PAL can lead to refusal. Check the IRCC document checklist carefully.
  • Inconsistent Information: Mismatches in passport, LOA, or IMM5709 details; ensure all documents align.
  • Failure to Update DLI: Not notifying IRCC or obtaining a new PAL/CAQ when changing schools may cause application failure.
  • Insufficient Funds: Bank statements or GIC must prove sufficient funds; provide 6 months of bank statements.

Handling Special Cases

Below are special cases during extensions and their handling methods; pay close attention.

Case Handling Method Notes
Expired Study Permit Apply for status restoration within 90 days (IMM5709 + CAD 229) with a letter explaining the delay. Cannot study or work until approved; provide new LOA and financial proof.
Change of DLI or Province Obtain a new LOA and PAL (non-Quebec) or CAQ (Quebec); update DLI via IRCC account. Cross-province changes may affect PGWP eligibility; confirm new DLI compliance.
Study Interruption Submit a letter explaining the interruption (e.g., health, family issues) with supporting documents (e.g., medical proof). Interruptions over 150 days may require status restoration; consult in advance.
Travel During Extension Require a valid TRV/eTA to re-enter Canada; cannot study until approved. Avoid travel until extension approval; check TRV/eTA validity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about 2026 Canada study permit extensions to help you apply successfully.

When should I apply for a study permit extension?

Apply 3-6 months before expiry, at least 30 days, to ensure maintained status and renew SIN, health insurance, etc.

What is maintained status?

Submitting an extension application before expiry allows continued study and work until approval, but you cannot leave Canada.

Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for extension?

No PAL is needed if continuing at the same DLI and study level; a new PAL is required if changing schools or levels (effective January 22, 2025).

How is Quebec’s extension process different?

Renew your CAQ via MIFI first (CAD 11,000 + tuition); study permit validity aligns with CAQ, processing takes 20-30 business days.

Can I extend an expired study permit?

Within 90 days, apply for status restoration (CAD 229 + explanation letter); you cannot study or work until approved.

Can I travel during the extension process?

Not recommended; leaving Canada may result in loss of maintained status. A valid TRV/eTA is needed to re-enter, and you cannot study until approved.

What financial proof is required for extension?

Outside Quebec: CAD 22,895 (living expenses) + tuition (CAD 15,000-29,000) + travel (CAD 1,000-2,000), via bank statements or GIC.

How can I avoid study permit extension refusal?

Ensure complete documents (LOA, financial proof, CAQ/PAL), consistent information, early application, and include a letter explaining special circumstances.

Do I need to reapply for a study permit if I change DLI?

Update your DLI via your IRCC account with a new LOA and PAL/CAQ; a new study permit may be required, confirm in advance.

How long does a study permit extension take?

In-Canada extensions take approximately 3-4 months (2025 data); apply 3-6 months in advance and check your IRCC account regularly.

What should I do if a link shows a 404 error?

If IRCC or MIFI links show a 404 error, try the following steps:
1. Clear browser cache or use incognito mode.
2. Use a VPN to connect to a Canadian server (if abroad).
3. Visit the IRCC website (www.canada.ca) and search for “Extend study permit” or “Study permit documents”.
4. Visit the MIFI website (www.quebec.ca) and search for “Renew CAQ”.
5. Contact IRCC support (1-888-242-2100, Canada only, weekdays 8:00-16:00) or use the web form (IRCC Contact Page).
6. Contact MIFI support (MIFI Contact Page).

Free Canada Study and Immigration Consultation

Have questions about study permit extensions or immigration pathways? Our expert team offers one-on-one guidance to help you extend your study permit and plan your PR pathway!

Consult Now →

* Tailored advice compliant with 2026 federal and provincial requirements.