How to extend a study permit in Canada before it expires
Learn how to extend your Canadian study permit in 2026, when to apply, which enrolment and financial documents you may need, the $150 fee, maintained status rules and what changes if your permit has already expired.
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If you want to continue studying in Canada, apply online through your IRCC secure account at least 30 days before your current study permit expires. The study permit extension fee is $150 per person. Post-secondary students must upload the letter of acceptance or enrolment provided by their designated learning institution, provide the documents requested in their personalized checklist and show that they have enough money to continue supporting themselves while studying in Canada. If you apply before your permit expires, you can generally stay in Canada and continue studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides your extension application.
What you need
- Have a valid current study permit and apply before it expires if you want to benefit from maintained status.
- Apply at least 30 days before the current permit expires when continuing studies at the same school.
- Have a passport that remains valid for the period you are requesting, because IRCC cannot extend a study permit beyond the passport expiry date.
- For post-secondary studies, obtain a current letter of acceptance or letter of enrolment from your designated learning institution.
- Provide a new provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter when required, including in most cases when changing post-secondary schools or changing levels of study.
- Provide evidence that you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying in Canada, as required by IRCC.
- Complete the online questions and submit the forms and documents listed in your personalized IRCC document checklist.
- Complete form IMM 5709 when required as part of the application.
- Pay the applicable study permit extension fee.
- Use an IRCC secure account to submit the online extension application unless you qualify for an exemption allowing a paper application.
Eligibility
This procedure applies to a person who is already in Canada as a student and needs to extend a study permit in order to continue studying. You should apply before the current permit expires and, when continuing at the same school, IRCC instructs students to apply at least 30 days before expiry. You must continue to meet the requirements for student status, including studying at an appropriate designated learning institution and providing the documents IRCC requests for the extension. If your permit has already expired and you did not submit an extension application before expiry, you have lost your temporary resident status and cannot continue studying until your status is restored and a new study permit is issued. Restoration is a separate process with separate requirements and fees.
How to do it
- Check the expiry date on your current study permit. The expiry date tells you when your authorized student status ends. If you want to continue studying at the same school, IRCC says to apply for an extension at least 30 days before that date.
- Check your passport expiry date. Your extended study permit cannot be valid beyond the expiry date of your passport. Renew your passport first if its validity would limit the extension you need.
- Get proof from your school. Post-secondary students must obtain either a current letter of acceptance or a letter of enrolment from their designated learning institution. Upload the document in the letter-of-acceptance section of the online application.
- Check whether you need a PAL or TAL. If you are staying at the same DLI and at the same level of study, you do not need a new provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter for the extension. If you change to a different DLI or a different level of study, a new PAL or TAL is generally required unless an IRCC exception applies. Quebec students should follow the applicable Quebec acceptance and attestation rules.
- Prepare proof of financial support. IRCC assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying in Canada. Prepare the financial evidence requested by the application and your personalized document checklist.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account. Study permit extensions must normally be submitted online through the IRCC secure account, even if your original study permit was submitted through another IRCC account type.
- Answer the online eligibility questions. IRCC uses your answers to create a personalized document checklist for your situation.
- Complete the required application forms. The application may include IMM 5709, Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student. Complete all required fields accurately.
- Upload the supporting documents. Submit your school letter, passport information, financial evidence, PAL or TAL if required and any other documents shown in your personalized checklist.
- Pay the application fee. The current study permit extension fee is CAD $150 per person. Pay the required fees through the online application process.
- Submit before your permit expires. If IRCC receives a complete extension application before your current status expires, you can remain in Canada while the application is processed and can generally continue studying under the same conditions as your current study permit.
- Monitor your IRCC account. Check for messages, requests for additional documents and the final decision. Respond to IRCC requests within the deadline provided in the message.
- Follow the new permit conditions if approved. Once approved, review the validity dates and conditions on the new study permit and continue to comply with your student status requirements.
When should you apply to extend a study permit in Canada?
If you want to continue studying in Canada at the school listed on your current study permit, IRCC instructs you to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your study permit expires.
Applying early is important because an extension request must be submitted before your current temporary resident status expires if you want to benefit from maintained status while IRCC processes the application.
Your study permit expiry date is shown on the permit. IRCC notes that a study permit is often issued for the length of the study program plus 90 days, although the exact validity period depends on your circumstances.
How much does a Canadian study permit extension cost in 2026?
The IRCC fee for a study permit, including an extension, is CAD $150 per person.
If your study permit has already expired and you lost your status, a simple extension is no longer the correct procedure. If you qualify to apply for restoration as a student, the current IRCC fee is CAD $396.25. This consists of a CAD $246.25 restoration-of-status fee and the CAD $150 study permit fee.
Additional fees may apply if IRCC requires another service, such as biometrics. Your online application will identify the fees that apply to your case.
How long does a study permit extension take?
There is no fixed Canada-wide processing time that can be guaranteed for study permit extensions. IRCC processing times change and depend on current workloads and application circumstances.
Check the official IRCC processing-times tool when you are preparing your application. Applying well before your current permit expires reduces the risk of reaching the expiry date before you submit a valid extension request.
What documents do you need for a study permit extension?
The exact document list is generated from your answers in the IRCC online application. Requirements can differ depending on your school, level of study, immigration history and other circumstances.
For a typical post-secondary study permit extension, important documents can include:
- Your current passport or travel-document information.
- A letter of acceptance or letter of enrolment from your designated learning institution.
- A provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter if one is required for your situation.
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself while continuing your studies.
- Application form IMM 5709 when included in your application package.
- Any additional documents listed in your personalized IRCC checklist.
Letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment
For post-secondary study permit extensions, your designated learning institution provides either a letter of acceptance or a letter of enrolment, depending on whether you are a new or current student.
You must upload that document in the letter-of-acceptance section of your online application.
Your DLI may also be required to verify the letter electronically with IRCC. If the institution does not verify the document by IRCC's deadline, IRCC can return the application and refund the processing fee. Students should therefore make sure their school is prepared to complete the verification process.
Do you need a new PAL or TAL for a study permit extension?
Not always. If you are extending your study permit while remaining at the same designated learning institution and at the same level of study, IRCC states that you do not need a new provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter.
If you are changing to a different DLI or changing your level of study, you generally need a new PAL or TAL before applying unless an IRCC exception applies.
One published exception applies when moving from post-secondary studies to a degree-granting graduate program at a public DLI. Students should check the current PAL or TAL rules for their exact situation before submitting the extension.
What proof of funds is required for an extension?
IRCC requires study permit applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial support, and the updated financial requirements also apply to study permit extensions. For an extension application, IRCC assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying in Canada.
Possible evidence of financial support can include bank-account records, evidence of tuition or housing payments, education loans, scholarships or other documentation showing that funds are available. The specific documents required for your application will appear in your personalized checklist.
Do not rely on a generic document list when preparing the application. Submit the evidence requested by IRCC for your individual circumstances.
Can you extend a study permit online?
Yes. IRCC requires study permit extensions to be submitted online in most cases.
You must use the IRCC secure account to apply for an extension. This requirement applies even if you used another account or application method when you originally applied for your study permit.
IRCC allows paper applications only when a specific exemption from the online application requirement applies.
What is maintained status for international students?
If you apply to extend or change the conditions of your study permit before it expires, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.
If you submitted the study permit extension before expiry, you can generally continue studying under the same conditions as your current study permit until IRCC makes a decision.
This situation is commonly referred to as maintained status.
What happens if your study permit expires while your extension is processing?
If you submitted your extension application before your permit expired, reaching the printed expiry date does not automatically mean that you must stop studying. You can remain in Canada under maintained status and generally continue studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides your application.
Keep evidence showing that you submitted your extension application before your previous permit expired.
Can you renew provincial documents while on maintained status?
IRCC states that while you are on maintained status you may not be able to renew documents issued by a province or territory, such as a driver's licence or health card. IRCC also states that you cannot obtain a Social Insurance Number card while on maintained status.
Check the validity of important provincial documents before your study permit expires and contact the issuing authority for its current rules.
What if your study permit has already expired?
If your permit expired and you did not apply for an extension before expiry, you have lost your temporary resident status. You cannot continue or restart studying simply by submitting a late extension application.
IRCC provides a restoration process for eligible former students. You must apply for a new study permit and restoration of temporary resident status, submit the required supporting documents and pay the applicable restoration and study permit fees.
Do not study while waiting for restoration. You may remain in Canada while IRCC processes a properly submitted restoration application, but there is no guarantee that restoration will be approved.
How is a restoration application different from an extension?
An extension is submitted while your student status is still valid. Restoration is used after you have lost temporary resident status and qualify to ask IRCC to restore it.
A restoration application requires you to select the restoration option in the application, explain why you need to restore your status and pay the restoration fee in addition to the new study permit fee.
Students applying for restoration should also check the current PAL or TAL requirements. IRCC states that a new PAL or TAL is required when applying to restore status as a student, even if you plan to continue at the same DLI and the same level of study.
What if you change schools while extending your study permit?
Rules for changing designated learning institutions have changed. Since January 22, 2025, post-secondary students changing schools generally need a new PAL or TAL before submitting the study permit application unless an exception applies.
IRCC currently offers a faster-processing pathway for eligible students changing to a new post-secondary DLI. Applicants who identify the school change correctly in the online application may have the extension application processed under IRCC's published 60-day target for this pathway.
Because school-change rules are specific, confirm the current IRCC instructions before moving to a new DLI.
What if you change your level of study?
A new PAL or TAL is generally required when changing levels of study, including certain moves between secondary, post-secondary and graduate studies.
IRCC publishes exceptions for some transitions. For example, moving from post-secondary studies to a degree-granting graduate program at a public DLI does not require a new PAL or TAL under the current published rule.
Can your study permit be extended beyond your passport expiry date?
No. IRCC cannot issue a study permit that remains valid beyond the expiry date of your passport.
If your passport will expire before the end of the additional study period you need, consider renewing the passport before applying for the study permit extension.
Can you travel outside Canada while your study permit extension is processing?
You can leave Canada while an extension application is being processed, but a study permit is not a travel document and leaving Canada can affect what you are allowed to do when you return.
To return, you must meet Canada's entry requirements and have the required travel document, such as a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization when applicable.
If your study permit extension has not yet been approved when you return, a border services officer may allow you to enter as a visitor. In that situation, IRCC states that you cannot study until your extension is approved.
Re-entry is never guaranteed. The border services officer decides whether you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
What happens after you submit the extension application?
You can use your IRCC secure account to monitor the status of your application and receive messages from IRCC.
IRCC may request additional documents or information. Respond by the deadline stated in the request.
If the extension is approved, review the new study permit carefully, including the expiry date and any conditions. Continue to comply with the conditions of your status while studying in Canada.
Study permit extension checklist for 2026
- Check the expiry date on your current study permit.
- Apply at least 30 days before expiry when continuing at the same school.
- Make sure your passport will remain valid for the requested extension period.
- Get a current letter of acceptance or enrolment from your DLI.
- Confirm whether a new PAL or TAL is required.
- Prepare proof of financial support.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account.
- Complete the online questions and required forms.
- Upload all documents shown in your personalized checklist.
- Pay the CAD $150 study permit extension fee.
- Submit the application before your current status expires.
- Monitor your IRCC account until a decision is made.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I apply to extend my study permit in Canada?
If you want to continue studying at the same school, IRCC says you must apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. Applying before expiry is also important for maintained status.
How much is a study permit extension in Canada in 2026?
The IRCC fee for a study permit, including an extension, is CAD $150 per person.
Can I stay in Canada while waiting for my study permit extension?
Yes, if you submitted the extension application before your current temporary resident status expired. You can remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.
Can I continue studying after my permit expires if I already applied for an extension?
Generally yes. If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired, IRCC states that you can continue studying under the same conditions as your current study permit until a decision is made.
Do I need a new PAL or TAL to extend my study permit?
Not if you are extending at the same designated learning institution and the same level of study. A new PAL or TAL is generally required if you change schools or levels of study unless an IRCC exception applies.
Do I need proof of funds for a study permit extension?
Yes. IRCC applies its financial requirements to study permit extensions and assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while studying in Canada.
What school document do I need for a study permit extension?
Post-secondary students need a letter of acceptance or letter of enrolment from their designated learning institution and must upload it in the letter-of-acceptance section of the online application.
Which form is used to extend a study permit inside Canada?
IRCC uses form IMM 5709, Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student, when that form is required by your online application.
Can I extend my study permit online?
Yes. Study permit extensions must normally be submitted online using the IRCC secure account. Paper applications are limited to applicants who qualify for an exemption.
What happens if my passport expires before the study period ends?
IRCC cannot extend a study permit beyond the expiry date of your passport. If necessary, renew your passport before applying for the study permit extension.
What if my study permit has already expired?
If you did not apply before expiry, you have lost your temporary resident status and cannot continue studying. If eligible, you must apply to restore your status and obtain a new study permit before restarting your studies.
How much does it cost to restore student status in Canada in 2026?
The current IRCC fee to restore status as a student and obtain a new study permit is CAD $396.25. This includes the CAD $246.25 restoration fee and the CAD $150 study permit fee.
Can I travel outside Canada while my study permit extension is being processed?
You can leave Canada, but you must still meet the requirements to re-enter. If your extension has not been approved when you return, you may be admitted only as a visitor and you cannot study until the extension is approved.
Can I renew my health card or driver's licence while on maintained status?
IRCC states that you may not be able to renew provincial or territorial documents such as a driver's licence or health card while on maintained status. Check directly with the issuing provincial or territorial authority.