Study Permit Extension Canada

A study permit extension is not a formality — it is a full immigration application that carries the same scrutiny as your original study permit. Submitting late, submitting incomplete, or failing to understand how recent policy changes affect your specific situation can result in a loss of status, an interruption to your studies, and a refusal record that follows every future application you make.

The rules governing study permit extensions have changed significantly since 2024. Requirements around institutional changes, Provincial Attestation Letters, proof of funds, and maintained status have all been updated — and the consequences of getting them wrong have become more serious. If you are approaching the expiry date on your study permit, the time to act is now, not when your permit has already expired.

At Magellan Immigration, we assess your full situation before filing anything — your current permit conditions, your enrollment status, your institution, and your intended program — and prepare a complete, accurate extension application that accounts for every current requirement. If your permit has already expired, we also handle status restoration.

When to Apply

IRCC recommends applying for your study permit extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires. In practice, given current processing times, we recommend applying 4 to 6 months in advance. As long as IRCC receives your application before your current permit expires, you have maintained status — you can continue studying and working while your application is processed, even if your permit expires during that time. If your permit has already expired and you did not apply in time, you have 90 days from the expiry date to apply for status restoration.

Key Rules You Need to Know

 

Changing Institutions As of November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled at the specific Designated Learning Institution named on your study permit. If you are changing institutions or moving to a different level of study, you must apply for a new study permit — not just an extension — and in most cases you must receive the new permit before beginning studies at your new institution.

Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL/TAL) Most students applying for a study permit extension who are changing institutions or levels of study must include a valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter with their application. As of January 1, 2026, students in degree-granting master's or doctoral programs at public designated learning institutions are exempt from this requirement. Graduate diploma and certificate students are not exempt.

Proof of Funds As of September 1, 2025, the minimum proof of funds required is $22,895 for a single student — an increase from the previous $20,635 threshold. This amount covers living expenses only and is in addition to tuition and travel costs.

Prerequisite and Pathway Programs As of December 2025, study permits for prerequisite and pathway programs — including ESL, FSL, and bridging programs — are issued for the duration of the program plus 90 days only. If you are completing a pathway program before beginning your main program, you must apply for an extension promptly to avoid a gap in your status.

Passport Expiry A study permit cannot be issued beyond your passport expiry date. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying for your extension.

What We Do

 

  • Assess your current permit conditions and identify the correct extension pathway

  • Confirm whether you need an extension, a new study permit, or a PAL

  • Prepare your complete extension or restoration application

  • Advise on maintained status and your rights while your application is processing

  • Identify and address any compliance issues before they become refusal grounds