Overview
Understand the pathway before you act.
Eligibility, timing, evidence and risk should be assessed together before an application or response is prepared.
Student status should be reviewed before the permit expires, before changing a designated learning institution or study condition, and immediately after any loss of status or refused extension. The permit, passport, enrolment history, program progress and current IRCC rules should be considered together.
Study permit extensions
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry. A permit cannot normally be extended beyond passport validity. A complete extension submitted before expiry may allow the student to remain in Canada and continue studying under the existing conditions while IRCC decides, provided the person remains eligible and stays in Canada. An incomplete or late application can produce a different result.
The printed expiry date is not always the only date that matters. A study permit may end 90 days after program completion if that occurs first. Confirm the actual completion and notification dates rather than assuming the permit remains valid to the printed date.
School and condition changes
Changing post-secondary schools now generally requires a new study permit through an extension application. A student normally should not begin at the new institution until the new permit is approved unless a current exception applies. Program level, designated-learning-institution status, enrolment, study conditions and work eligibility should be checked before the change.
Restoration of student status
A person who lost student status may be able to request restoration within 90 days if the regulatory requirements are met. Restoration is discretionary. The person normally cannot continue studying until status and study authorization are restored. A refused extension, unauthorized study or a missed deadline requires individual review.
How Beyond Borders Law can help
- Confirm the operative expiry and program-completion dates.
- Review maintained-status and continued-study questions.
- Prepare accepted extension, school-change or restoration applications.
- Address a refused extension or status-loss concern.
Gather current and previous permits, passport, enrolment and transcript records, completion or withdrawal notices, extension receipts and correspondence, and a timeline of study, work and travel.
Official information: IRCC study-permit extension and restoration guidance.
This guide provides general information. An inquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Advice and representation begin only after the firm confirms scope and a retainer is completed.