Study Permit Extension — Canada immigration status extension by Go Far Global
Extension & Renewal

Extend Your Study Permit in Canada

Continue your educational journey with a smooth study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.

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Processing Time

About 2 months (60 days per IRCC, October 1, 2026) inland - Apply at least 30 days before expiry

Government Fee

$150 CAD

Biometrics Fee

$85 CAD (if required - valid for 10 years)

Total Cost

$235 CAD (if biometrics required)

Extension Overview

About Study Permit Extension

A study permit extension allows international students to continue their studies in Canada beyond their current permit's expiry date. It's essential to apply for an extension before your current study permit expires to maintain your legal status in Canada and avoid complications with your studies.

You must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current study permit expires, but we recommend applying 3-4 months in advance to account for processing times. If you continue studying while waiting for a decision on your extension application submitted before expiry, you have implied status and can continue your studies under the same conditions.

The extension process requires proof of continued enrollment, sufficient financial support, and maintaining full-time student status (unless exempt). With proper preparation and documentation, most students successfully extend their study permits and continue their Canadian education.

Important Deadlines

  • Apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires (90-120 days recommended)
  • Submit biometrics within 30 days of receiving the biometrics instruction letter
  • Respond to any IRCC document requests within the specified timeframe (usually 30-60 days)
  • If your permit expires before you apply, you have 90 days to restore your status with additional fees

Extension Consultation

Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.

Book a ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application Info

RCIC License: R515110

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet these requirements to qualify for Study Permit Extension.

Hold a valid study permit or have applied for an extension before expiry (implied status)

Continue to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Maintain full-time student status (unless in your last semester or have an exemption)

Make satisfactory academic progress toward completing your program

Have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members

Continue to meet all study permit conditions and Canadian immigration requirements

Documentation

Required Documents

Gather these documents before starting your extension application.

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your intended stay)
Current study permit and/or visa documents
Letter of acceptance or enrollment confirmation from your DLI
Official transcripts showing satisfactory academic progress
Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsorship documents)
Updated passport-style photographs (if applying by paper)
Proof of payment for government fees ($150 CAD)
Custodian declaration (if under 17 and not from certain countries)
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How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.

1

Check Eligibility and Gather Documents

Verify you meet all requirements and collect necessary documents including your letter of acceptance, transcripts, proof of funds, and valid passport. Ensure your DLI is still designated and you're maintaining full-time status.

2

Create or Access Your IRCC Account

Log in to your IRCC secure account or create a new one if you don't have one. This portal will be used to submit your application and track its progress.

3

Complete the Online Application

Fill out the application form (IMM 5709) online through your IRCC account. Answer all questions accurately and provide detailed information about your studies and financial situation.

4

Upload Supporting Documents

Scan and upload all required documents in the specified formats (PDF, JPEG). Ensure documents are clear, complete, and meet IRCC file size requirements. Include your enrollment confirmation and proof of funds.

5

Pay Government Fees

Pay the $150 study permit extension fee and $85 biometrics fee (if applicable) online using a credit card or debit card through the IRCC portal.

6

Submit Biometrics (If Required)

If you receive a biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at a Service Canada location within 30 days and provide your fingerprints and photograph.

7

Track Your Application and Respond to Requests

Monitor your application status through your IRCC account. Respond promptly to any additional document requests. You have implied status while waiting for a decision if you applied before expiry.

Get Professional Help
Common Pitfalls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.

Applying too late - Submit at least 3 months before expiry to avoid implied status complications
Not maintaining full-time student status - Ensure you're enrolled in the required course load
Insufficient proof of funds - Show enough financial support for tuition and living expenses
Outdated letter of acceptance - Use a current enrollment confirmation, not your original acceptance letter
Incomplete transcripts - Include all semesters and ensure they show satisfactory progress

Pro Tip

Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.

Costs

Extension Fees

Government fees for Study Permit Extension applications.

Government Fee
$150 CAD
Biometrics
$85 CAD (if required - valid for 10 years)
Total
$235 CAD (if biometrics required)

Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Study Permit Extension

When should I apply for my study permit extension?
You should apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires, but we strongly recommend applying 2-3 months in advance. The current processing time for study permit extensions is 60 days (about 2 months) on IRCC's October 1, 2026 update, though this fluctuates and you should check IRCC's processing times tool before you apply. If you submit your extension application before your current permit expires, you keep maintained status (previously called implied status), allowing you to continue studying under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.
What happens if my study permit expires before I apply for an extension?
If your study permit expires before you apply for an extension, you lose your legal status in Canada. However, you can apply to restore your status within 90 days of expiry. Restoration as a student costs $396.25 in total, which is the $246.25 restoration fee plus the $150 study permit fee. During this time, you cannot study until your status is restored. To avoid this situation, always apply before your permit expires.
Can I continue studying while waiting for my extension decision?
Yes, if you applied for your extension before your current study permit expired, you have implied status. This means you can continue studying under the same conditions as your original permit while waiting for a decision. You should continue attending classes, maintain full-time status, and follow all study permit conditions. However, if you leave Canada during this time, you may not be able to return until your new permit is approved.
How much money do I need to show for proof of funds?
You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your extended studies. As a general guideline, for applications made on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC lists $23,448 CAD for living expenses for a single student outside Quebec (or $11,000 CAD in Quebec), plus more for each family member who comes with you ($29,192 CAD for 2 people, and $6,318 CAD for each person after 7), on top of your tuition and transportation costs. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, scholarship letters, GIC certificates, or proof of a Canadian bank account.
How much does it cost to extend a study permit in Canada?
The government fee to extend a study permit is $150 CAD per person. If IRCC asks you for biometrics and you have not given them in the last 10 years, add $85 CAD, for $235 CAD in total. If your permit has already expired, restoring your status as a student costs $396.25 CAD in total. These are the amounts on IRCC's fee list as of October 2, 2026.
Do I need a new letter of acceptance to extend my study permit?
Not exactly. If you're continuing in the same program at the same institution, you need a current enrollment confirmation or letter from your school verifying that you're registered for the upcoming semester. This is different from your original acceptance letter. The letter should confirm your active enrollment, expected graduation date, and that you're maintaining satisfactory progress. If you're changing programs or schools, you'll need a new acceptance letter from your new Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Deep Dives on Study Permit Extension

Step-by-step articles covering specific scenarios.

Extend Your Study Permit in Canada (2026 Update)

The latest 2026 rules, current processing times, and what changed for study permit extensions this year.

Read article

Other Extension Types

Visitor Visa Extension

Approximately 385 days, about 12.5 months (IRCC, October 1, 2026) - Apply well in advance

To extend a visitor visa, you apply for a visitor record from inside Canada. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.

Learn More

Work Permit Extension

About 3.5 months (108 days per IRCC, October 1, 2026) inland - IRCC says apply at least 30 days before expiry; we recommend 4 months

Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.

Learn More

Status Restoration

10 months (300 days) - You must wait in Canada during processing without work/study authorization

Regain your legal status within 90 days of expiry. Act quickly to restore your visitor, student, or worker status in Canada.

Learn More

Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?

Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.

Book a Consultationinfo@gofarglobal.com

RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.