When to apply

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When to extend your study permit

If you want to keep studying, you must apply to extend your permit at least 30 days before it expires.

  • Make sure your passport doesn’t expire at the same time.
    • Your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport’s expiry date.
  • If you apply before your permit expires, you can continue to study under the same conditions as your current study permit until we make a decision. This only applies as long as you stay in Canada.

If you finish your studies earlier than expected

Your study permit will expire on whichever date comes first:

  • the date marked on the permit or
  • 90 days after the day you complete your studies

When do the 90 days begin?

The 90 days begin either

  • on the date you get the first notification from your school (such as an email, letter, transcript, etc.) that you completed your program or
  • when you get your degree, diploma or certificate.

If you can’t prove the date you were first notified by your school, we’ll use the earliest issue date on the document. We may confirm this date with your school.

If you finish your studies later than expected

You must apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before the original expiry date.

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

You can either

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

If you want to extend your study permit, you’ll need to enroll at a school with DLI status.

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
  • you have a valid travel document

If you deferred your enrolment

If you’ve deferred your enrolment and the DLI that issued your letter of acceptance is de-designated before you start studying, you can’t start studying at that school.

  • If you’re in Canada with a valid study permit, you’ll need to
    • apply to and be accepted at a new DLI
    • update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount
  • If your study permit has been approved but not issued yet
    • we’ll send you a request to provide a new letter of acceptance from a new DLI
    • you’ll need to update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount (if your study permit is approved)

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