The expiry date on your study permit indicates when you must stop studying and leave Canada. If you plan to continue your studies beyond your permit's expiry date, you’ll need to extend your study permit.
When to apply
We strongly recommend you submit your application three to four months before the expiration date of your current study permit. The application for your study permit extension must be submitted before the expiration date. Otherwise, you will lose your immigration status and have to stop studying or working.
If Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your application before the expiry date listed on your current permit, you can continue to study under the same conditions as your current study permit until a decision is made.
Important: Your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport’s expiry date. If your passport is nearing its expiry renew it before applying for a study permit extension, if possible.
Important: You don’t need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) when applying for a study permit extension.
How to apply
Apply for a study permit extension using your existing IRCC Secure Account. If you don't have an account or can't access your previous one, you can create a new account.
Creating your document checklist
Watch to learn how to navigate the IRCC online platform and create your personalized document checklist:
You’ll need the following documents to apply for your study permit extension.
Application Form
The application form is: Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM5709]. It will be accessible through your online document checklist. Read the step-by-step instructions on how to complete the form.
Supporting documents
Passport
Include a copy of the bio-data page from your passport (the page showing your name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, etc.) along with copies of any pages containing stamps, visas, or markings from Canada or other countries. Ensure that all pages are merged into a single PDF file before uploading.
Important: Your study permit cannot be issued beyond your passport's expiration date. If your passport is nearing its expiry, you must renew it before applying for a study permit extension. Contact your local embassy for guidance on renewing your passport.
A letter confirming your enrolment
This official SAIT letter provides details regarding your updated program end date. The immigration officer assessing your application will use the date listed on this letter to determine the new expiry date for your new study permit. Complete this form to request your Confirmation of Enrollment.
If you’re currently on a leave of absence or have been academically withdrawn, you may be able to request a customized confirmation of enrolment letter. For more information, contact an International Student Advisor at international.advising@sait.ca.
Important: Do not submit your original Letter of Acceptance when applying for an extension. If you do, your application will be returned and closed. IRCC needs you to submit proof of ongoing and current enrolment.
Proof of means of financial support
The officer will assess whether you have enough funds to continue to support yourself, and any accompanying family members, while you study in Canada. Review IRCC’s updates to financial requirements and what they accept as proof.
Digital photo
Make sure your photo meets IRCC’s photo specifications. Shoppers Drug Mart in North Hill Shopping Center will take Canadian immigration photos.
Documents you may need
Family Information Form [IMM5707]
This form requests information about your spouse or common-law partner, your parents, your children, stepchildren, and adopted children. Read the step-by-step instructions on how to complete the form.
Proof of upfront medical exam
If required, upload proof of completion of the upfront medical examination from the Panel Physician: either the first page of the IMM 1017B-Upfront (“copy to client”); or a printout from the eMedical entitled “Up-front medical notification”.
There is a temporary policy allowing some students to use a medical exam completed in the past 5 years until October 6, 2024. If you completed an IME within 5 years of submitting your new application, include the IME number (or the unique medical identifier number) from your previous exam in your current application. Learn more about medical exams.
Optional documents
Client Information
If you need to provide additional information concerning your situation and circumstances, you can upload a Letter of Support under this section. If you're unsure whether to include a letter of support (otherwise referred as 'letter of explanation'), feel free to reach out to an International Student Advisor at international.advising@sait.ca for guidance.
Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside Canada [IMM5257]
Most students will not require this form.
This document serves to provide additional information if you answered “yes” to any of the following questions: 3, 4, 5, or 6 in the “Background Information” section of IMM5709.
If you need a new temporary resident visa, you must submit a separate application aside from your study permit extension application. Submitting this form along with IMM5709 will not result in the issuance of a new temporary resident visa.
If your study permit expires while IRCC processes your extension application
If your study permit expires after IRCC has received your application to extend it, you will still be considered a temporary resident of Canada until a decision is made on your application. This situation is referred to as "maintained status”.
To ensure you maintain this status, it's crucial to submit your application online before 11:59 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the day your current status expires, rather than midnight in your local time zone. Learn about maintained status.