Study Permit Extension


Your valid Study Permit allows you to study and stay in Canada as a student. Know the expiry date and make sure to renew it two to three months before the expiration date.

This study permit extension information is for in-Canada applications. For study permit application outside Canada, review the COVID-19 FAQs below.

Overview

What is it?
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student in order to complete your academic program, you must extend you study permit before it expires. Check the expiry date on your study permit, and make sure you apply before that date.  

Why do I need it?
You need to extend your study permit to maintain your student status, and continue studying and working (on and off campus) in Canada.

When do I need it?
You need to extend your study permit prior to the expiry date by applying online or by paper application. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 2-3 months before your current permit expires. If you do this you will be able to remain in Canada and continue studying and working under “maintained status”  (previously called implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit expires while you await processing.

How do I Apply Online for a Study Permit Extension before my current permit expires?

Important Note: Your application will not be processed without the correct payment.

Step 1: Log into my CIC through GCKey or Sign-in partner

If you are a new user, you will need to register for MyCIC through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. You need the Client ID (the 8-digit number located right above the expiry date) on your Study Permit to complete the registration.  

Step 2: Click on 'Apply to come to Canada'

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code.  

If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on Visitor visa, study and/or work permit

Answer all the questions that follow. Please use the Study Permit questionnaire in the sidebar.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation

1. Complete the IMM 5709 Application form. Validate and save the form. You do not need to sign the form.  You can find the guide to completing IMM5709 in the Helpful Guide section on the right hand side of this webpage.

If you cannot open the form, save the document to your personal drive/desktop.  Then open the file as an Adobe pdf document on your computer.

2. Gather the following supporting documents:

  • digital photo (420x540 pixels)
  • all passport pages with stamps, visas, photos, and signatures. All pages must be scanned into one (1) document.
  • confirmation of enrolment letter (available at the Registrar's Office for undergraduate students and at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for graduate students). The letter must show you are enrolled in the present semester and a future semester.
  • proof of financial support (e.g. bank statement, loan letter, or sponsorship letter)
  • Dalhousie transcripts (can be downloaded from Dalonline, and is also called "Academic Record")

Please note

Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request additional documents and will allow a 3-5 day submission period.  In preparation please gather the documents so that if IRCC requests them, you can promptly submit.  The documents include:

  • Original letter of Acceptance/Admission (Request from Registrar's Office if you no longer have your copy)
  • Official Transcript (Request from Registrar's Office)  

Once you have all the documents ready, you should save them electronically.  Ensure that each document size is 4MB or less.

Step 4: Upload biometrics receipt (if applicable)

If you paid $85.00 CAD for biometric collection but have not yet completed biometrics, please upload your $85.00 receipt under “Optional Documents-Client Information”. Make sure to indicate YES to biometrics in the online questionnaire or you will be charged again.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Pay the Study Permit renewal fee of $150 CAD online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Please do not forget to print a receipt.

Step 6: Submit the application

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.

Important Information

After you submit your application, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada may contact you for additional documents.  If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.   

What do I do if my Study Permit has Expired?

  • If your Study Permit expired less than 90 days ago, you must also apply to Restore Your Status when applying to renew it (this costs an additional $200 CAD). You should meet one of the advisors if you are in this situation to further discuss any potential academic consequences and solutions.

  • If your Study Permit expired more than 90 days agoyou are required to leave Canada immediately and apply from outside of the country for a Study Permit (and TRV, if necessary).

Need Help?

Meet with an International Student Advisor:

COVID-19 FAQs

How do I apply for a study permit extension if I am currently outside Canada?

To apply for an extension of your study permit from outside Canada, you are required to apply for a new study permit, which is similar to when you first applied for a study permit.

Online Application Steps for Students Outside Canada:

Step 1: Log into your IRCC online account through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. If you are a new user, you need to register through GCKey or Sign-in Partner.

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply to come to Canada’.

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit".

Answer all the questions that follow. Please note, you must identify your current country of residence, not Canada.

Step 3: Fill out the online application form and gather supporting documentation. Depending on your personal situation, additional forms and support documents may appear your checklist.

1. Complete the IMM 1294 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy.

2. Gather the following supporting documents

    - A valid passport

    - Your letter of acceptance to Dalhousie or University of King's College, confirmation of enrolment, and transcripts from Dalonline (merge documents together as one PDF)

    - Proof or statement of adequate funds to live and study in Canada

    - Letter from your sponsoring agency (if applicable)

    - The $150 CAD processing fee

    - Other documents for forms may be required: refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC) website and the Canadian Visa Office for more information 

    - Letter of explanation to the IRCC officer. You are applying for an extension of your study permit since your studying online from outside Canada. Upload the letter under “Client Information”

3. Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. The documents' sizes must be less than 4MB each, and can be saved as pdfs, jpegs, or Word docs.

4. Upload the IMM 1294 form and supporting documents in your online account.

Step 4: Pay the application fee.

Pay the $150 CAD fee online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). If you need to complete biometrics, $85.00 CAD will be added.

Do not forget to print a receipt.

Step 5: Submit the application.

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.

Important Information: A Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable) will automatically be assessed at the same time as your study permit. There is no need to make another application.

I received the Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) as part of my study permit application (outside Canada). How can I complete this?

When biometrics collection resumes, you’ll have to make an appointment at your designated Visa Application Centre or Application Support Centre. Your application will remain open for 90 days until you are able to provide the required biometrics. It will not be refused or closed due to COVID-19 closures.  

Visit www.canada.ca/biometrics for updates on when biometrics collection will start again.

I need to give biometrics as part of my study permit/visa extension application, but I see that all in-Canada biometrics appointments are cancelled until further notice. What should I do?

IRCC officially announced a temporary public policy exempting applicants in Canada from the requirement to give biometrics temporarily. This means if you are applying from within Canada, you do not need to give biometrics in order for your application to be processed. This applies to new applications as well as applications that are already in progress in Canada. For details on this temporary exemption, visit the IRCC website

This exemption does not apply if you’re outside Canada.