Extend or Change Your Study Permit: Keep Your Student Status
To keep studying in Canada, apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. If you apply in time, you can keep studying under the same conditions while IRCC decides. If you change schools, you also need a new PAL or TAL and you apply to extend your permit.
since 1991
When do you need to extend your study permit?
You need to extend if you want to keep studying after your permit expires, or if your studies take longer than planned. Apply at least 30 days before the expiry date. Your permit cannot run past your passport expiry date (IRCC).
What if you change schools or programs?
If you change schools, you apply to extend your permit with a letter explaining why, and a new PAL or TAL unless you meet an exception. The new school must be a DLI. Read our PAL guide and the study permit guide. See the Study in Canada hub for the full path.
Key rules at a glance
- Same school: if you apply before expiry, you can keep studying under your current conditions while IRCC decides, as long as you stay in Canada.
- New school: you must apply to extend before you start there, and you need a new PAL or TAL.
- Faster processing: IRCC aims to process a school change at the post-secondary level in 60 days if you tell IRCC you are changing schools.
- Restore status: if your permit expired, you may apply to restore your student status, but you cannot study until it is restored.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Extending fits if
- You are still enrolled at a DLI and need more time.
- Your permit expires in more than 30 days.
- Your passport lasts as long as the permit you ask for.
Another route fits if
- Your permit expired: you may apply to restore your student status, with extra fees.
- You are finishing your program: see the PGWP guide.
- You were refused: read the study permit refused guide.
See the Study in Canada hub, the PAL guide and the work permits hub.
Why extension applications get refused or fail
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Applied too late
If your permit expires before you apply, you lose your student status and cannot study until it is restored.
No new PAL for a school change
As of January 22, 2025, changing schools needs a new PAL or TAL unless you meet an exception.
Not studying actively
You must be enrolled and actively studying at your DLI before you change schools. Unauthorized breaks can cause problems.
Passport too short
IRCC cannot extend your permit past your passport expiry date. Renew first.
School lost DLI status
You cannot extend to start a new program at a de-designated or suspended school. You can apply to extend to change to another DLI.
Not sure which route you need?
We check your dates, school and letters before you file.
Deadlines you cannot miss
30 days before expiry
Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires if you want to keep studying at the same school or your studies are taking longer than expected.
Apply to extend your permit before you finish at your current school. You cannot start at the new school until the extension is approved, except in limited situations such as your school closing or losing DLI status.
If you keep meeting the rules of your stay, you may apply to restore your student status with a new study permit and the restoration fee. You need a new PAL, and each family member restores their own status.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How an extension works, step by step
Six stages from your dates to your new permit.
Check your dates
Compare your permit and passport expiry dates. Mark 30 days before.
Get your school letter
Ask your DLI for a letter of acceptance or enrolment.
Get a new PAL if needed
You need one if you change schools or levels.
Update your funds
Show funds for your continued studies.
Apply online
Select the right options if you are changing schools.
Keep your status
Stay in Canada and keep studying under your conditions.
Extension costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Study permit extension FAQs
How do I extend my study permit?
Apply online before your permit expires, at least 30 days before if you can. Upload your school letter, proof of funds and other checklist items. If you change schools, include a letter of explanation and a new PAL or TAL.
How early should I apply?
At least 30 days before your permit expires. If you apply before it expires, you can keep studying under the same conditions until IRCC decides, as long as you stay in Canada.
How much does an extension cost?
IRCC lists the study permit fee, including extensions, as CAD$150. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Check the IRCC fee list.
Can I change schools?
Yes, if the new school is a DLI. You apply to extend your permit before you start there, include a letter explaining why, and get a new PAL or TAL unless you meet an exception.
Can I start at my new school before approval?
Only in limited situations, such as your school closing, discontinuing your program, losing DLI status or being suspended. You must also meet other conditions, such as not leaving Canada since your acceptance.
Is there faster processing for a school change?
IRCC says you can get your extension processed in 60 days if you change to a new post-secondary DLI and tell IRCC you are changing schools when you apply online.
Do I need a new PAL to extend?
Not if you stay at the same DLI and level. You need a new PAL if you extend at a different DLI or level, except when moving to a master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI.
What if my study permit expired?
You lose your student status and cannot study until it is restored. You may apply to restore your status with a new study permit and the restoration fee, if you still meet the rules of your stay. See our restore status guide.
How long can I stay after I finish my studies?
Your permit usually runs until the date on it or 90 days after you complete your studies, whichever comes first. The 90 days start when your school first notifies you that you completed your program.
Can I extend past my passport expiry?
No. IRCC cannot extend your study permit beyond your passport expiry date. Make sure your passport lasts as long as your permit.
Can my family extend with me?
Family members apply on their own applications. If they lost status, each must restore it and pay the restoration fee. See our family guide.
What if my extension is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our study permit refused guide.