Study Permit - Canada
A study permit allows international students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, including at Confederation College.
The expiry date, located under "additional information" on your study permit is important information to be aware of. It indicates when you must stop studying. This date typically includes the length of your program plus an additional 90 days (about 3 months).
If you need more time to complete your studies beyond the expiry date of your study permit (if you have failed some courses, for example), you must apply for a study permit extension. We recommend you do this at least three months before your study permit expires. If your permit expires and you have not applied for a study permit extension, you must stop studying immediately, change your status to “visitor" or leave Canada.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on extending your study permit while in Canada, please visit the IRCC Website.
Note:
As an international student, you are personally responsible for complying with all conditions associated with your study permit and related IRCC policies & regulations. Be sure you are fully aware of what these are. For more details click here.
For additional inquiries please email: [email protected]
-
(Check here for further details on the application process IRCC Website)
Log in or create an IRCC account
Go to the IRCC online portal to access the application system.
Complete the application form
Fill out the form provided in your account. Ensure all details are accurate and match your existing documents.
Gather required documents
Passport scans (including all stamped/marked pages). Make sure your passport does not expire at the same time, as your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport’s expiry date.
Digital photo: Refer to the digital photo requirement as per temporary residence specifications
Provincial Attestation Letter (if required)
Proof of enrollment i.e. an “enrolment letter”, or new Letter of Acceptance
Most recent transcript
Proof of financial support showing sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
Co-op Letter (If applicable) - This letter is found on your Letter of Acceptance
Proof of medical exam – E-medical (if applicable): Please refer to medical exam requirements for temporary residents
Pay the application fees
The fee for extending your study permit is currently CAN$150.
Upload documents and submit your application
Double-check all attachments for accuracy before submission.
Biometrics (if required)
If instructed, provide biometrics at an authorized collection center.
Track your application
Use your IRCC account to check for updates or additional document requests.
If you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you will have “maintained status”. You can continue studying under the same conditions as your current permit, while waiting for a decision from IRCC. This applies only if you remain in Canada during this period.
At time of writing, the processing time for study permit extensions was 160 days (about 5 and a half months). For up-to-date processing times, check here: Extend your study permit.
The IRCC offers excellent guidance on completing your Study Permit Extension application successfully. To access step-by-step instructions and the required forms, refer to the official IRCC webpage. Additionally, Confederation College has developed helpful resources to assist you with your application process. Please see the guides below:
Eligibility Questionnaire: Ensure you meet the requirements for extending your study permit.
Guide to Completing IMM5709: Step-by-step assistance for filling out the Study Permit Extension application form.
If you are filling out IRCC paperwork and need Adobe, you can access the "How to Download and Install Adobe" guide
-
If your study permit expires before you apply for a study permit extension, you will lose your student status in Canada. You can remain in Canada while waiting for restoration, if you apply for restoration within 90 days of your study permit expiring. However, you cannot study or work until IRCC restores your status and issues a new study permit. If you do not apply for restoration to a student or visitor status, within 90 days of your study permit expiring, you must leave Canada immediately.
What to Do If You Lose Status
Email [email protected] and/or book an appointment with the International Student Advisor through the online booking calendar.
For full details on what to do if your permit has expired, visit the IRCC website.
-
The IEC offers workshops that explain the study permit extension application process and answer your questions. Please check the IEC Blackboard announcements to find out the dates and times, and to register for a workshop.
Note:
As an international student, you are personally responsible for complying with all conditions associated with your study permit and related IRCC policies & regulations. Be sure you are fully aware of what these are. For more details click here.
For additional inquiries please email: [email protected]