International students in Canada may have to deal with Study Permit Extension sometime when theirs expired during their study time or when they are out of the country. What should you do? This blog will answer your questions.
International students: Study Permit Extension in Canada
If your study permit is expiring, you need to know your options for visa extension in Canada. As an international student in Canada, you don’t have to worry at all.
There are many reasons why international students choose Canada as their study abroad destination. Academic excellence; internationally recognized degrees; research opportunities; scholarships; affordable tuition fees; and diverse cultures are some of them. However, one of the most important reasons remains its welcoming immigration policies, particularly post-study and graduate visa options.
Want to extend your study permit in Canada?
When we talk about visa extension in Canada, it doesn’t just mean changing the expiry date on your study permit. It also means the transition to another type of visa, e.g. from student to graduate.
For example, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students from eligible Canadian institutions to obtain an open work permit in order to undertake valuable work experience there. International students can work anywhere, for whoever they want. International graduates can work in Canada for up to three years following the completion of their course — this is a top option for visa extension in Canada for international students who complete their course. If you want to apply to become a permanent resident of Canada, this can also come in very handy. Students who have lived in Canada before and gained eligible work experience here may be strong candidates for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
When should you apply for a Study Permit Extension in Canada?
The expiry date on your study permit tells you when you have to stop studying and leave Canada. You can find the expiry date in the top right corner of your permit. This date is usually the length of your study program, plus 90 days. So if you want to keep studying in Canada, you have to apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires.
How to extending study permit in Canada?
- 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.
Need help to extend your Study Permit?
Requirement for Study permit extension in Canada (online
1. Application Form(s)
Documents: Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM5709) (required)
2. Supporting Documents
- Co-op Letter: Use the LOA as the Co-Op Letter because RRC is no longer issuing a separate letter for co-op work permit applications.
- Letter of Acceptance (required):
If you have not started the program at RRC: LOA
If you already start the program at RRC: LOA + Confirmation of Enrolment - Passport (required)
Passport pages
Study Permit - Proof of Means of Financial Support (required): Bank Statements; Tuition Statement from RRC; Other support documents
- Digital photo (required)
3. Other Documents
- Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside Canada (IMM 5257) : This form is only required if you answer “yes” to question 3, 4, 5, or 6 in “Backgroud Information” section of the IMM 5710 form.
- Client Information: If you would like to provide more information about your application that you have not already provided, you can attach a letter of explanation to your application. Upload File (If you have more than one page to upload, please merge them to one file. PDF file is high recommended.)
What do you do when your study permit in Canada expired?
If your study permit expired, don’t freak out. If you still want to stay to study in Canada, you need to apply for a new study permit, restore your status as a temporary resident and pay your fees.
How long for the Study permit extension to process?
Mostly, it will only take 35 days
Apply to an Ontario Public College and get your Work Permit with Admission Hub
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What if you are travel outside Canada and your Study Permit expired?
You may be able to re-enter Canada as an international student if you meet all the following:
– You have a valid passport or travel document.
– Have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit.
– You’re attending a DLI on the list of DLIs with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
– Have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on which document you need.
However, if you want to stay in Canada but you’re no longer studying, you can:
- apply for a work permit, if you finished studying and are eligible.
- apply to change your status and stay in Canada as a visitor.
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