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Extend your study permit or restore your status: How to apply

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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Find out how to apply

If your school is no longer on the designated learning institution (DLI) list 

Processing time

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Processing time is the average for how long it takes from when an application is received to when we make a decision. Learn more about processing times.

You can either

  • keep studying until your current permit expires or
  • transfer to another DLI

If you plan to leave Canada either before or after you’ve applied for a study permit extension, you won’t be allowed to re-enter unless

  • you have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit and
  • your DLI is on the approved list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plan and
  • you have a valid travel document

How to apply to extend your study permit

In most cases, you must apply online to extend your study permit. You may be able to apply on paper if either

  • you have a disability that makes it impossible to apply online or
  • there’s a problem with the online application

How applying online helps you

  • No courier fees or mail delivery time—we get your application instantly.
  • Your application may be processed more quickly.
  • It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
  • You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
  • You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

A study permit is not a visa.

Find out what you need to re-enter Canada if you leave

Step 1: make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need

  • a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
  • a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide explains how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

  1. Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
  2. Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Step 3: prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

COVID-19: Changes to biometrics requirement for in-Canada temporary residence applicants

As a temporary measure, if you’re in Canada and applying to work, study or stay temporarily in Canada, you do not need to give your biometrics. Learn more about the exemption.

Step 5: create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

  • pay your fees
  • submit your application
  • check your status
Create an account or sign in

If you can’t apply online

You can submit a paper application if either:

  • you can’t apply online because of a disability
  • there’s a problem with the online application

What to do if you can’t apply online

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

  • Visa®
  • MasterCard®
  • American Express®
  • JCB®
  • UnionPay® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

It must:

  • be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC® Online, and
  • be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard® and Visa® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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