ENExtend Study Permit Canada or Restore Status: 2026 Guide
International students in Canada must maintain valid immigration status while studying and whose permits are close to expiry or already expired may need to extend study permit Canada or apply for restoration of status under current IRCC rules.
This guide explains how to extend study permit or restore in Canada, maintain legal student status, respond to permit expiry issues, and comply with current IRCC rules in 2026.
This guide has been prepared based on the latest 2026 IRCC policies and Canadian immigration rules regarding study permit extensions, restoration applications, student compliance, and temporary resident status in Canada.
Table of Contents
What happens if your study permit expires?
The expiry date on your Canada study permit determines when you must stop studying and either leave Canada or apply to extend your legal status.
In most cases, a study permit is issued for the duration of your academic program plus an additional 90 days. This extra time allows international students to prepare to leave Canada, apply for a study permit extension, or change their immigration status if eligible.
You can find the expiry date under the additional information section on your study permit document. Your permit also cannot usually be extended beyond your passport expiry date, which is why maintaining a valid passport is very important.
- You may lose your legal student status
- You may lose work authorization
- You may become temporarily ineligible to continue studying
- Future applications such as PGWP may be negatively affected
If you want to continue studying in Canada, IRCC generally recommends applying for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your permit expires.
If you apply before expiry and remain inside Canada, you may usually continue studying under maintained status while IRCC processes your application.
If you finish your studies earlier or later than expected
Your study permit may expire earlier than the printed expiry date if you complete your studies before expected.
- The date printed on the permit, or
- 90 days after your school first confirms program completion
The 90-day period usually begins when:
- You receive your first completion notice from the school
- You receive your diploma, transcript, degree, or completion letter
If your studies continue longer than expected, you must apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires.
If your school loses DLI status
If your school is removed from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list, you may usually:
- Continue studying until your current permit expires
- Transfer to another eligible DLI
However, future study permit extensions generally require enrollment at a valid DLI.
Traveling outside Canada during a study permit extension
If you leave Canada before or after applying for a study permit extension, re-entry is not guaranteed.
- You generally need a valid study permit or approval letter
- You must also hold a valid passport and travel document
- Border officers make the final decision on entry
Maintained status normally only applies while you remain physically inside Canada.
When to extend study permit extension in Canada
International students must apply for a study permit extension before their current permit expires if they want to continue studying in Canada. IRCC generally recommends applying at least 30 days before the expiry date.
Students should also ensure that their passport remains valid because a study permit usually cannot be extended beyond the passport expiry date.
If the extension application is submitted before expiry and the student remains inside Canada, they may usually continue studying under maintained status while IRCC processes the application.
How to extend study permit Canada
If your studies in Canada will continue beyond your current study permit expiry date, you must apply for a extend study permit before your permit expires.
Most students inside Canada must apply online through their IRCC secure account using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709).
Under updated IRCC rules, most foreign nationals already inside Canada can no longer apply for a study permit extension at a port of entry. Applications are generally submitted online.
- Apply at least 30 days before expiry
- Keep your passport valid for the full requested period
- Remain enrolled at an eligible DLI
- Maintain full-time student status where required
- Use your IRCC secure account to submit the application
If you apply before your permit expires and remain inside Canada, you may usually continue studying under maintained status while IRCC processes your extension application.
If a student leaves Canada while on maintained status, they may temporarily lose authorization to continue studying after re-entering Canada until the extension application is approved.
Documents required for a study permit extension
- Valid passport
- Letter of enrollment or Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- Recent transcript or proof of studies
- Updated proof of financial support
- IMM 5709 form
- Current immigration documents
Post-secondary students must usually upload a valid enrollment letter or LOA from their DLI when applying for a study permit extension.
If your DLI does not validate your enrollment documents with IRCC within the required timeframe, the application may be returned.
PAL or TAL requirements for study permit extensions
As of January 22, 2025, some students changing schools or levels of study may need a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
Requirements depend on the student’s program, study level, and whether an IRCC exemption applies.
Study permit extension fees and processing times
- Study permit extension fee: generally CAD $150
- Restoration applications require additional fees
- Biometrics may be requested in some situations
Study permit extension processing times vary depending on IRCC workload, application completeness, and the student’s circumstances in Canada.
Incomplete applications, weak financial documents, or missing enrollment records may delay processing.
Financial requirements for study permit extensions
Students extending their study permit must continue showing sufficient financial support to study and live in Canada.
IRCC assesses whether the student realistically has enough funds to cover tuition, living expenses, housing, and daily costs during the remaining period of studies.
The following IRCC financial amounts apply to most provinces and territories outside Quebec for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025.
| Family members | Required funds per year (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,895 |
| 2 | $28,502 |
| 3 | $35,040 |
| 4 | $42,543 |
| 5 | $48,252 |
| 6 | $54,420 |
| 7 | $60,589 |
These amounts apply to most provinces and territories outside Quebec for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025. Tuition fees and transportation costs are not included in these amounts.
Students planning to study in Quebec must meet separate financial requirements established by the Government of Quebec study cost guidelines for the CAQ process.
- Bank statements
- Employment income
- Sponsorship support
- Business ownership documents
- Investment or asset evidence
Weak, inconsistent, or unclear financial documentation is one of the most common reasons for study permit extension delays or refusals.
How to apply online for a study permit extension
Most international students already inside Canada must apply online to extend their study permit. Under updated IRCC rules, most foreign nationals in Canada can no longer apply for a study permit extension at a port of entry.
Students applying for an extension usually need a valid enrollment letter or Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The document must be uploaded in the LOA section of the online application.
If your DLI does not verify your enrollment document within the required timeframe, IRCC may return the application and refund the processing fee.
As of January 22, 2025, some students changing schools or study levels may also need a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), unless an exemption applies.
Students applying from inside Canada generally need:
- A valid passport
- Enrollment confirmation or LOA
- Proof of financial support
- Electronic copies of documents
- A valid credit or debit card for payment
Applications are usually submitted through the IRCC secure account, even if the initial study permit was submitted using another portal or method.
If a student leaves Canada while on maintained status, they may temporarily lose authorization to continue studying after re-entering Canada until the extension application is approved.
Maintained status vs restoration of status in Canada
International students in Canada may either benefit from maintained status or need restoration of status depending on when they submitted their study permit extension application.
Maintained status generally applies when a student applies before the current permit expires. Restoration applies when the permit has already expired and the student has lost legal status.
| Maintained status | Restoration of status |
|---|---|
| Application submitted before permit expiry | Application submitted after permit expiry |
| Student may usually continue studying while waiting | Student cannot study until restoration is approved |
| Temporary resident status continues | Temporary resident status has already been lost |
| No restoration fee required | Additional restoration fee applies |
If you apply after your study permit expires, you may remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application, but you generally cannot study until your status has been restored and a new study permit has been issued.
What can cause loss of student status in Canada?
Students may lose their legal status in Canada if:
- The study permit expired before a new application was submitted
- Study permit conditions were changed without authorization
- The student did not comply with study permit conditions
- The student stopped meeting study permit requirements
Once status is lost, the student generally cannot continue studying until IRCC restores status and issues a new study permit.
Limitations during maintained status
While on maintained status, students may legally remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.
However, some provincial services and documents may not be renewable during this period, including:
- Driver’s licence
- Provincial health card
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) services in some situations
Students should ensure important documents remain valid before the original study permit expires.
Temporary resident permit (TRP) applicants
Temporary resident permit (TRP) applicants generally do not benefit from maintained status while their application is being processed.
This applies to both initial TRP applications and additional TRP requests.
How to restore student status in Canada
If your study permit expired and you did not apply for an extension before the expiry date, you may still be eligible to apply for restoration of status in Canada.
Restoration may be available if the student continues meeting the requirements of their stay in Canada and respects the original study permit conditions.
If you want to keep studying in Canada after losing status, you must apply for a new study permit and apply to restore your temporary resident status.
- Apply for a new study permit
- Apply to restore temporary resident status
- Submit all supporting documents
- Pay both study permit and restoration fees
Students applying for restoration may stay in Canada while IRCC processes the application, but there is no guarantee of approval.
In most situations, students cannot continue studying until restoration is approved and a new study permit is issued.
Important restoration application requirements
When applying for restoration of status, students should:
- Select “Restore my status” in the application form
- Explain why status was lost
- Provide updated supporting documents
- Include the restoration fee
Clear explanations and complete documentation are important because IRCC officers carefully review restoration requests.
If family members also lost status
If a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children also lost their status in Canada, each person generally needs a separate restoration application.
Each family member must usually pay a separate restoration fee and provide supporting documents for their own application.
Studying while waiting for extension approval
In many situations, international students may continue studying in Canada while IRCC processes their study permit extension application if they applied before their current permit expired.
This is commonly known as maintained status. During this period, students may usually continue studying under the same conditions as their previous study permit while remaining physically inside Canada.
- The extension application must be submitted before expiry
- The student must remain inside Canada
- The student must continue complying with study permit conditions
- Maintained status ends once IRCC makes a decision
If a student applies after the study permit already expired, they generally cannot continue studying until restoration of status is approved.
Can you work while on maintained status?
Students who remain eligible under their original study permit conditions may usually continue working while on maintained status.
However, students must continue meeting all study permit requirements, including enrollment conditions and work limitations.
What happens if you leave Canada during maintained status?
If a student leaves Canada while on maintained status, they may lose authorization to continue studying after re-entering Canada until the extension application is approved.
Re-entry into Canada is also never guaranteed and remains subject to border officer review.
Common study permit mistakes
Many study permit refusals, restoration issues, and status problems occur because students misunderstand IRCC requirements or submit incomplete applications.
- Applying after the study permit already expired
- Studying without valid authorization
- Weak or inconsistent financial documents
- Failing to remain enrolled at a valid DLI
- Changing schools without updating IRCC
- Using an expired passport
- Ignoring PAL or TAL requirements
- Incomplete restoration explanations
IRCC officers often assess whether the student maintained compliance with study permit conditions throughout their stay in Canada.
Clear documentation, valid enrollment records, financial stability, and timely applications significantly reduce the risk of refusals or future immigration complications.
Study permit extension processing times
Study permit extension processing times inside Canada vary depending on IRCC workload, application completeness, biometrics requirements, and seasonal application volume.
Current processing times may change frequently based on IRCC operational conditions and application volumes.
| Application | Estimated processing time |
|---|---|
| Study permit extension inside Canada | Approximately 63 days |
Incomplete applications, missing enrollment documents, security reviews, or additional document requests may increase processing times.
Students should apply as early as possible before their study permit expiry date to reduce immigration and academic risks.
Study permit extension and restoration fees
International students applying to extend or restore their study permit status in Canada must pay applicable IRCC government processing fees.
| Application type | Government fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit extension | $150 | Standard IRCC extension fee |
| Restoration of student status | $396.25 | Includes restoration fee and new study permit fee |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 | May apply in certain cases |
Additional costs may include document translation, medical examinations, courier services, legal representation, or updated school documents depending on the student’s situation.
Government fees and immigration policies may change over time based on updated IRCC rules and regulations.
How IRCC officers assess study permit extensions
When reviewing a study permit extension application, IRCC officers assess whether the student has continued complying with Canadian immigration rules and remains a genuine student in Canada.
Officers review the student’s academic history, financial situation, enrollment status, and overall immigration compliance before deciding whether to approve the extension.
- Academic progression and enrollment history
- Compliance with study permit conditions
- Financial capacity and document consistency
- Attendance and study activity
- Passport validity and immigration history
- Whether the student remains enrolled at a valid DLI
Applications with unclear academic progression, long unexplained gaps, weak financial evidence, or inconsistent information may receive closer review.
How IRCC reviews academic progression
IRCC officers often review whether the student has been actively pursuing studies in Canada.
- Enrollment continuity
- Transcript history
- Program completion progress
- School transfers or program changes
- Academic breaks or reduced course loads
Students may need to explain failed semesters, withdrawals, deferred studies, or major academic changes.
Financial assessment during study permit extensions
IRCC officers assess whether the student realistically has enough financial support to continue studying and living in Canada.
- Bank statements and account history
- Employment or business income
- Sponsorship support
- Tuition payment history
- Housing and living arrangements
Large unexplained deposits, inconsistent financial records, or unclear sponsorship documents may create concerns about application credibility.
Compliance with study permit conditions
IRCC may also assess whether the student respected the conditions of their stay in Canada.
- Maintaining valid immigration status
- Studying only while authorized
- Complying with work limitations
- Remaining enrolled at an eligible DLI
- Submitting extension applications on time
Previous immigration violations or periods without valid status may negatively affect future applications.
Strong study permit extension applications usually include organized documents, clear academic progression, realistic financial evidence, and full compliance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions cover common IRCC rules, study permit extension requirements, restoration of status, processing times, maintained status, and student immigration compliance issues in Canada.
How long does a study permit extension take in Canada?
Can I study while waiting for my study permit extension?
What happens if my study permit expires?
How much does a study permit extension cost?
How much is restoration of status in Canada?
Can I work while waiting for study permit extension approval?
Can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires?
What documents are needed for a study permit extension?
What is IMM 5709?
Can I extend my study permit online?
Can I travel outside Canada during maintained status?
Can I change schools while extending my study permit?
Can I restore my student status in Canada?
Does maintained status allow me to continue studying?
What financial proof is required for a study permit extension?
Can a refused extension affect future immigration applications?
What happens if my passport expires before my study permit?
Can family members also restore their status?
What happens if my school loses DLI status?
Can I apply for a study permit extension at the border?
Study permit extension and restoration assessment
International students may begin by completing our online immigration assessment form to review possible study permit extension eligibility, restoration of status options, maintained status concerns, financial documentation, and IRCC compliance requirements in Canada.
For general inquiries, students may also contact WhatsApp.
Questions regarding study permit expiry, restoration of status, changing schools, maintained status, work authorization, PAL or TAL requirements, and study permit refusals may also be reviewed during the assessment process.
Students may also review information regarding Canada study permits, or Canadian visitor visa and eTA requirements when planning travel or future immigration pathways.
Editorial and Professional Notice
This article was prepared for general informational purposes based on publicly available Canadian immigration laws, IRCC operational guidance, and current immigration policies.
At Borhanifar Immigration, we provide professional Canadian immigration services focused on clarity, strategy, and practical immigration solutions tailored to each client’s situation and long-term objectives.
Content on this page is reviewed under the supervision of a licensed Canadian immigration professional (RCIC). Immigration laws, policies, processing trends, and eligibility requirements may change over time, and readers should verify important information directly through official Government of Canada sources.
This article does not constitute individualized legal advice and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of approval, processing time, or immigration outcome.