Extend your study permit: If you can’t apply online
End of biometrics exemption for in-Canada temporary residence applicants
As of February 23, 2023, there are changes to who needs to give biometrics when applying for temporary residence.
Learn more about new biometrics requirements for temporary residence applicants in Canada.
Most people have to apply online to extend their study permit. However, there are some people who may not be able to apply online.
To get a paper application, tell us why you can’t apply online.
You need to enable Javascript to be able to use the tool.
Apply on paper to extend your study permit (because of a disability)
Follow the steps below to apply on paper to extend your study permit.
Step 1: Get the application package
This package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
Read the guide before you fill out the application form:
Tips for downloading and completing the forms
- You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
- You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
- You must also turn JavaScript on.
- Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
- Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?”
Documents
- Document Checklist [IMM 5555] (PDF, 296.52 KB)
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM 5709]
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 637 KB)
- Custodian Declaration [IMM 5646] (PDF, 1.02 MB)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 648.31 KB)
If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.
Step 2: Prepare your application package
If your study permit already expired
You need to restore your status as a student when you extend your study permit. On the application form select both:
- An initial study permit or extension of study permit, and
- Restoration of temporary resident status as a student
Explain how you lost your status and why you stayed in Canada longer than allowed. There’s no guarantee that we’ll accept your application. You can stay in Canada while we process your applications. You can’t study until we’ve restored your student status.
If your spouse, common-law partner or dependent children came with you to Canada, they may also need to restore their status.
Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.
- Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
- This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
- A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
- Print, sign and date the form.
- Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
- Use a laser printer.
- Place the barcode page at the top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.
Find out more about the barcode form.
Third party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
If you need to use any of these services, you’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.
Step 3: Pay your application fees
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and show you how to pay them.
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 4: Submit your application
Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.
Alternate formats
If you can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, you can ask for other formats including large print and braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a Web form for other formats.
Apply on paper to extend your study permit (problem with the online application)
Follow the steps below to apply on paper to extend your study permit.
Step 1: Get the application package
This package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
Read the guide before you fill out the application form:
Tips for downloading and completing the forms
- You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
- You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
- You must also turn JavaScript on.
- Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
- Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?”
Documents
- Document Checklist [IMM 5555] (PDF, 296.52 KB)
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM 5709]
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 637 KB)
- Custodian Declaration [IMM 5646] (PDF, 1.02 MB)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 648.31 KB)
If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.
Step 2: Prepare your application package
If your study permit already expired
You need to restore your status as a student when you extend your study permit. On the application form select both:
- An initial study permit or extension of study permit, and
- Restoration of temporary resident status as a student
Explain how you lost your status and why you stayed in Canada longer than allowed. There’s no guarantee that we’ll accept your application. You can stay in Canada while we process your applications. You can’t study until we’ve restored your student status.
If your spouse, common-law partner or dependent children came with you to Canada, they may also need to restore their status.
Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.
- Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
- This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
- A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
- Print, sign and date the form.
- Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
- Use a laser printer.
- Place the barcode page at the top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.
Find out more about the barcode form.
Third party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
If you need to use any of these services, you’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.
Step 3: Pay your application fees
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and show you how to pay them.
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 4: Submit your application
Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.
Alternate formats
If you can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, you can ask for other formats including large print and braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a Web form for other formats.
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