How to Extend Visa in Canada as Student in 2025

For many international students, studying in Canada is a dream come true, thanks to its top-notch education system, vibrant culture, and friendly surroundings. 

Getting a student visa in Canada also allows you to work and can help you find a way to become a permanent resident.

To keep your education on track, it’s important to learn about the steps to extend your visa, especially your study permit.

This article aims to walk you through how to extend your visa in Canada as a student, ensuring that you stay compliant with immigration regulations while you pursue your educational aspirations.

Student Visa vs. Study Permit

A student visa is a type of visa that allows you to enter Canada as an international student, but it doesn’t guarantee that you can stay and study there. 

This visa is a conditional authorization, which means border officials can still deny you entry even if you have it. 

You usually get your student visa from the Canadian government in your home country before you travel to Canada.

On the other hand, a study permit is what you need to actually study in Canada at designated learning institutions (DLIs) from different provinces.

The study permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

To study in Canada, you’ll need to have a study permit. If you meet all the required criteria, you’ll get your permit upon your arrival in Canada.

Do you need to extend your Student Permit or your Student Visa in Canada?

To extend your stay in Canada as a student, you’ll need to renew your study permit. 

This permit is the key document that allows you to pursue your studies in Canada, and it can be renewed while you’re still in the country.

It’s essential to apply online for this extension before your permit expires to ensure you maintain your student status in Canada. 

The study permit ends 90 days after your program finishes, so it’s important to act quickly.

To extend your permit as an international student, you need to submit your application to IRCC. 

How to Extend a Study Permit

If you do not finish your program by the expiration date on your study permit, you need to apply for an extension to stay in Canada as a student.

If you complete your program early, your study permit will expire 90 days after you finish, no matter what the original expiry date was.

You can apply to extend your study permit (or apply for your first study permit) while in Canada if you meet one of these criteria:

• You have a valid study permit.
• You have a valid work permit.
• You are in Canada as an exchange or visiting student.

IRCC recommends that students apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before their current permit expires. 

Recent statistics suggest that it's advisable to submit your application ahead of the expiration date to avoid any potential delays or complications.

You should submit this application online unless told otherwise. 

The Canadian government requires most temporary residence applications, including startup visas and spousal sponsorships, submitted from within Canada to be made electronically. This includes:

• All applications for extensions of temporary resident status from within Canada.

• All applications for study or work permits from within Canada.

• All applications for renewals of study or work permits from within Canada.

Additionally, keep these scenarios in mind:

• If you apply before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada as a student through implied status until a decision is made on your extension application, as long as your permit conditions haven’t changed. 

• If your conditions do change, you won’t have implied status and will need to wait for a decision on your application.

• If you do not apply for an extension and your study permit expires, you lose your status in Canada. 

• You cannot continue your studies until IRCC restores your status and gives you a new study permit, and you have 90 days to apply for status restoration and extend your permit.

• There is a fee of CAN$200 to restore your status and a CAN$150 fee for the new study permit.

• If you want to change your study permit, like switching levels of study, transferring schools, or changing conditions on your permit, just applying to extend your current permit may not be enough. In these cases, you may need to apply for a new study permit.

Steps to Extend Your Study Permit

Extending your study permit is a simple process: 

• First, apply online through the IRCC website. If you don’t have an account, create one.

• Next, gather the necessary documents for your application. This includes your passport, proof of enrollment in your study program, proof of funds to support yourself during your studies, and any other documents that IRCC requests.

• Use your IRCC secure account to submit your application. Make sure you are using the most current version of the application form because outdated forms may not be accepted.

• After you submit your application, wait for a response from IRCC. 

Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well before your permit expires.

Quebec Study Permit Extension

In Quebec, international students need a valid study permit and a valid certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). 

If a student wants to keep studying after their CAQ expires, they must apply for a new CAQ from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI).

In Summary

In Canada, a Student Visa is linked to your study permit, which must be renewed within the timeframe set by Canada Immigration. 

To avoid missing deadlines and ensure a smooth process for extending your student visa in Canada, it's a good idea to work with a professional firm like Parsam Immigration. 

Schedule a meeting with us here.