Douglas Olsen
International students in Canada must have a valid study permit. If a student's program takes longer than expected to complete, or they transfer to a longer program, they will likely need to extend their study permit. Students must submit an application to extend their stay in Canada as a student to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application must be submitted electronically and requires various documents, including a valid passport, proof of funds, and a letter of acceptance. Students are advised to apply for an extension at least 30 days before their current permit expires. Additionally, international students in Canada may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply for an extension | At least 30 days before the current permit expires |
| Documents | Scanned copy of passport pages, letter of acceptance, letter of enrolment, proof of funds, travel document |
| Application fee | CAN$150 |
| Application form | To be submitted electronically |
| Other requirements | Valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) |
| Work permit | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
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What You'll Learn
Apply for an extension before your visa expires
It is important to apply for an extension before your visa expires. If your visa has expired, you will lose your status in the host country and will have to apply to restore it. For example, in Canada, you will have lost your status and will have 90 days to apply to restore it. You will need to pay a fee of CAN$200 to restore your status, as well as an additional CAN$150 for the new study permit.
To avoid this situation, you should apply for an extension before your visa expires. In Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) advises students to apply to extend their study permits at least 30 days before their current permit expires. However, they recommend applying earlier than this to account for any delays or issues. If you are in Canada, you will need to apply online. If you are outside of Canada, you may still be eligible to apply for a study permit when you arrive at a port of entry. If you are applying from outside Canada, you will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of British Columbia.
Before you apply, you should gather the required documents. These may include a scanned copy of your passport pages, including the biodata page and any pages with stamps, visas, or markings. You should also check that your passport will not expire soon, as your study permit will not be issued past your passport's expiry date. If your passport will expire before your new study permit would, be sure to renew it before applying.
If you are changing institutions, you must apply for a study permit extension for your new institution. You will usually need to receive the new study permit before beginning your studies at the new institution.
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Provide the required documents
To extend your visa as an international student, you will need to provide a range of documents as part of your application. The specific documents required may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the country where you are studying. However, here is a list of commonly requested documents:
- Passport: You will need to provide a scanned copy of the biodata page of your passport, which includes your name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date. Additionally, you must provide copies of all pages in your passport that contain stamps, visas, or markings from the country where you are studying or any other countries. Ensure that your passport will not expire soon, as your study permit cannot be issued beyond its validity period.
- Letter of Enrolment or Confirmation of Enrolment: This letter should indicate your expected program completion date and confirm that you are enrolled as a full-time student for immigration purposes.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter: This is required for study permit applications from outside Canada. However, some students may be exempt from this requirement.
- Proof of funds: You may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your extended stay. If you are having difficulty providing this proof, you can contact International Student Advising for support.
- Previous study permit: Include a copy of your previous or current study permit, as well as any relevant documents related to your studies, such as transcripts or letters confirming completion.
- Application form: Complete the extension application form accurately and submit it electronically, unless otherwise specified.
Remember that when providing documents, ensure they are recent and, if possible, issued within 30 days of submitting your application. Combine multiple documents into one PDF file before uploading, if applicable. Additionally, if your documentation is in a foreign currency, provide a screenshot of the Bank of Canada currency converter result or use xe.com if your currency is not listed.
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Apply for a new visa if you change institutions
If you are an international student in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500), you can change your course or institution if your current studies are no longer the best option for you. However, there are a few things to consider when making this decision. Firstly, ensure that your new program aligns better with your long-term career, education, or personal goals than your original one.
If you wish to change to a course of the same or higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, you won't need to apply for a new student visa. Your education provider will advise the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your study situation, and your ImmiAccount will be updated.
However, if you plan to change to a lower or non-AQF course, you will need to apply for a new student visa. Speak to an international student advisor before making this decision, as you may need to provide specific documentation, such as a formal letter of release from your current institution.
Additionally, if you are transferring to a new institution in a different city or state, the process is similar to changing institutions within the same state. Reach out to an international student advisor at your current institution to discuss your options and gather advice. They can guide you through the steps you need to take and any changes to your student visa.
If you are an F-1 student in the United States transferring between SEVP-certified schools, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and may need to apply for a new F-1 visa, depending on your situation. You must provide written verification of acceptance at the new SEVP-certified school. If there is a gap of more than five months between your last date of school attendance and the start of the new program, you will need to depart the United States until able to begin the new program.
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Maintain a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for entry into Canada. If you are an international student in Canada, here are some important things to keep in mind to maintain a valid TRV:
Firstly, ensure that your TRV is valid and has not expired. TRVs remain valid until the expiration date specified on the document. If your TRV is still valid but you obtain a new passport, you can continue using your TRV until its expiry date. However, always carry both your old passport containing the TRV and your new passport when travelling.
If your TRV is about to expire or you need to renew it, you must submit a paper application for a new TRV. You cannot obtain a TRV upon arrival in Canada. Make sure to include all the required documents with your application, such as proof of funds, travel documents, and a scanned copy of your passport pages. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Canada.
If you are applying from outside Canada, use the form IMM 5256 for a Temporary Resident Visa. You can submit your application through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online. Pay the biometric fees along with your application processing fees to avoid processing delays. You will then receive a biometric instruction letter and can book an appointment at an official biometric collection location.
It is important to note that TRVs are not required for permanent residents. If you are a permanent resident without a valid PR card, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) instead. If you voluntarily give up your PR status, you can then apply for a TRV.
Finally, always ensure that your study permit remains valid to maintain legal status in Canada. Your study permit will not be issued past your passport's expiry date, so it is important to extend your passport before applying for a study permit extension if needed.
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Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students who graduate from a Canadian program of study can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay in Canada and gain work experience. The PGWP is typically valid for the duration of the applicant's study program, ranging from eight months to three years. To be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Completed a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution.
- Maintained full-time student status during each semester of the program. Part-time status is acceptable in the last semester or if it was a result of coronavirus disruptions.
- Provide a transcript or letter confirming the completion of studies.
- Apply within 180 days of completing the program and obtaining transcripts.
- Possess a valid passport for the full length of the PGWP eligibility.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or French through a language exam, with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language areas.
The PGWP application process involves gathering the required documents, including transcripts, letters of confirmation, and proof of language proficiency, and completing the application form. Applicants should ensure their passport is valid and extend it if necessary before submitting their application. The processing time for a PGWP can vary from 80 to 180 days, and applicants are allowed to work in Canada while awaiting a decision, provided they applied before the expiry date of their student permit. It is recommended to apply for the PGWP before the expiry of the study permit to maintain legal working status in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
To extend your visa as an international student in Canada, you must submit an application to extend your stay as a student to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application must be submitted electronically, and you should apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. You will need to provide a scanned copy of the biodata page of your passport, as well as copies of every page with stamps, visas, or markings.
If you change institutions, you must apply for a study permit extension for your new institution. You will need to receive the new study permit before beginning your studies at the new institution.
If you wish to change your level of study, it may not be sufficient to simply extend your study permit. In this case, you may need to apply for a new study permit.
