Study Permit Extension in Canada
When and how to extend your study permit from inside Canada, timing, and maintained status while you wait.
If you need more time to finish your studies, you may be able to extend your study permit from inside Canada. Most applicants extend online. If you are continuing at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and apply before your current permit expires, you can generally keep studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides the extension. Changing schools or levels of study can trigger additional document requirements and may affect when you can begin studying at the new DLI.
When to apply
IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires and recommends applying more than 30 days before expiry when possible. Your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport expiry date. If you apply before expiry and continue at the same DLI, maintained status generally lets you keep studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides the application.
What to include in a study permit extension
- A valid passport; IRCC cannot extend the study permit beyond the passport expiry date
- A current letter of acceptance or enrolment from your DLI and evidence that supports your continued studies
- Proof of financial support; current financial requirements apply to study permit extensions and IRCC assesses whether you have enough money to continue supporting yourself while you study
- A valid PAL or TAL if your situation requires one; an extension at the same DLI and same level of study is exempt, while changing schools or levels generally requires a new PAL or TAL unless another exemption applies, plus any explanation or supporting documents needed for the additional study time or other changes
If you are changing schools or levels of study
Post-secondary students changing to a new DLI generally need a new study permit by applying to extend the current permit. As of January 22, 2025, a new valid PAL or TAL is generally required when changing schools or levels of study unless an IRCC exemption applies. An extension at the same DLI and same level of study is PAL/TAL-exempt. You also do not need a new PAL/TAL when moving from post-secondary study to a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI. Do not assume you can start at a new DLI while the application is pending; IRCC permits this only in specified situations.
Check the current IRCC changing schools and programs instructions and study permit extension application instructions.
If your permit already expired
Under the normal restoration rule, if your study permit expires before you submit an extension, you lose student status and must stop studying. You normally have 90 days after losing status to apply to restore your status as a student and obtain a new study permit. You cannot continue or restart your studies until IRCC restores your status and issues the new study permit. The same-DLI/same-level extension exemption does not carry over to restoration: where a PAL/TAL is otherwise required, you need a new PAL/TAL when applying to restore student status, even if you plan to continue at the same DLI and same level. Check IRCC's current PAL/TAL exemptions for any separate exemption that applies to your situation. If the normal 90-day restoration period has passed, restoration may no longer be available unless a current special measure or public policy applies; otherwise you must leave Canada.
Official IRCC study permit extension guidance
- Extend your study permit or restore your status
- How to apply for a study permit extension
- Changing schools or programs
- PAL/TAL rules and exemptions
Official IRCC sources checked: August 18, 2026.
How a licensed RCIC helps
We review your timing, conditions, and documents, explain maintained status, and help you file a complete extension. Final decisions are made by IRCC.
