If you’re studying in Canada and need to either renew or extend your study permit, ensuring that you maintain your legal status in the country is essential. Immigration to Canada offers guidance on how to navigate the process of keeping your status valid while updating or changing your study permit.
Ensuring you maintain your legal status in Canada is crucial. Avoid staying beyond your permitted duration without applying for a status change. It’s vital to adhere to all conditions associated with your stay, such as work type restrictions, weekly hour limits, or study durations. Thoroughly review your study permit to understand these conditions. In case you don’t apply for a status renewal or change before your current status lapses, you must exit Canada before making a new application to return.
If you apply for renewal or status change prior to your current status expiration, you will maintain “maintained status” as a temporary resident until your application is processed. Retain documentation that evidences your request for a status extension (such as a proof of mailing, courier receipt, or online submission confirmation). If your status expires while awaiting a decision, you can continue studying as long as you remain in Canada.
This guideline is applicable only to temporary residence applications. For permanent residence applications, you cannot stay in Canada while waiting for a decision unless you hold a valid temporary visitor, student, or worker status. If you lose your status by not adhering to your study permit conditions, you may seek to restore it within 90 days of the loss.
Key Considerations for Temporary Residents
Always apply for changes or renewals before your status expires.
Keep evidence of your application submissions.
Understand and comply with all permit conditions.
Utilize the 90-day window for status restoration if needed.
By closely following these guidelines, you ensure your stay in Canada remains lawful and uninterrupted.
If your study permit is nearing its expiration date and you haven’t yet finished your program, it’s crucial to apply for an extension. Make sure to start the renewal process before your current permit runs out. It’s advisable to submit your application at least 30 days in advance of your permit’s expiration. Applications can be submitted online or via mail.
Once your study permit extension is approved, you might need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), depending on your circumstances.
Students studying in Quebec should take note that, in addition to a study permit, a new Certificat D’acceptation Du Quebec (Quebec Acceptance Certificate or CAQ) might also be required. Typically, if a study permit is necessary, a CAQ is also mandatory.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students aren’t obligated to get a new study permit when switching educational institutions, programs, or study levels. As long as their existing study permit remains valid, students can continue their education in Canada without any additional permits. This flexibility is one of the major benefits for international students pursuing their studies across different regions or fields within Canada.
When considering changing schools or programs, it’s crucial to ensure your transition complies with the IRCC’s guidelines. This includes notifying relevant authorities if there are any specific requirements tied to your study permit conditions.
Understanding these processes can significantly simplify your education journey in Canada, making it a seamless experience to explore different opportunities within the country’s educational landscape.
You should apply to renew your study permit at least 30 days before it expires to avoid any disruption in your studies. However, it's advisable to start preparing your application even earlier. This allows ample time to collect all required documents, address any potential issues with your application, and ensure it is submitted well before the deadline. Late applications can result in loss of status, meaning you would have to stop your studies and possibly leave Canada while awaiting a decision. It's also important to keep track of your study permit's expiration date and mark it on your calendar to stay organized.
If your study permit expires before you apply for a renewal, you lose your student status in Canada. This means you must stop studying immediately and may have to leave the country. However, if you apply for a renewal before your permit expires, even if the permit expires while your application is being processed, you maintain your legal status under the conditions of your original permit. This is known as "maintained status" (formerly known as implied status), and it allows you to continue studying and working (if you were allowed to work) until a decision is made. It's crucial to submit your application on time to avoid any disruption and ensure you have a valid status in Canada.
Yes, you can change your study program or institution while holding a valid study permit, but you need to inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of these changes. If you are changing institutions, it’s essential to ensure that your new institution is a designated learning institution (DLI), which means it is approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You will need to update your information using your online account on the IRCC website. Changing your program or institution without notifying IRCC may lead to complications with your study permit status, as compliance with the conditions of your study permit is mandatory.
If you complete your studies earlier than the expiration date on your study permit, your permit will automatically expire 90 days after you've completed your studies, regardless of the official expiry date on the permit. To extend your stay in Canada, you should apply to change your status based on your new plans, such as applying for a post-graduation work permit if eligible, or changing your status to a visitor if you want to stay temporarily without studying or working. If you need more time to complete your studies, you must apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires, providing justification for the need for a longer duration.
Yes, if you applied for a study permit renewal before your existing permit expired, you can continue to work under the conditions of your original study permit due to maintained status. This means you can keep working on or off-campus if your previous permit allowed you to do so. However, it's important to note that you must comply with the terms and conditions outlined in your initial study permit, and continue to meet eligibility requirements, such as being enrolled full-time in a designated learning institution. If your renewal application is eventually refused, you must cease work and possibly leave Canada.
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