International Student Visa Expiry: What's Next?

what happens when international student visa expires

The consequences of an expired international student visa vary depending on the country and the individual's circumstances. In Canada, international students must maintain the conditions of their study permit and keep their profile information updated. If a student's visa expires while they are outside of Canada, they may need an IME to re-enter. Students can apply to extend their stay as a student, but this should be done at least 30 days before the permit expires. In the case of an expired F-1 visa in the United States, students can remain in the country as long as they maintain their student status. However, travelling to a country without automatic revalidation requires a valid visa to return. It is important to consult official sources and seek advice from relevant authorities to understand the specific implications and options available when facing an expired international student visa.

Characteristics Values
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada and your TRV has expired You can apply for a new visa.
If you have a valid Study Permit or Work Permit You can travel to the US and back into Canada without a new TRV.
If your study permit expires after you have submitted your application for an extension but before you receive a decision on your application You can stay in Canada under what is called "maintained status", which means that you can legally remain in Canada until IRCC decides on your new permit application.
If you are a returning student currently residing outside Canada and your study permit is expired or invalid You must apply for a new study permit from your home country or country of residence with a confirmation of enrolment or eligibility-to-return letter and a PAL from U of T.
If you are a citizen of a visa-required country You will need a TRV to travel to or re-enter Canada.
If your passport is expiring soon Renew it 6 months in advance of expiry.
If you are in the United States on an expired F-1 visa You can stay as long as you maintain your student status.
If you have an expired visa and a terminated record SEVP advises you not to travel outside the United States until your SEVIS record shows that you are in Active status.
If you have transferred to U of T from another Canadian institution (high school or post-secondary) and you have notified IRCC prior to Nov 8 or extended your study permit You don't need to change your study permit.
If you plan to change your program or your campus within U of T You are exempted from changing your study permit.
If you are moving between levels of study (undergraduate to graduate studies) at U of T You can keep studying with your current study permit as long as you still meet your study permit conditions.

shunstudent

If you're in Canada, you can apply to extend your study permit before it expires

International students in Canada are typically issued a study permit that is valid for the length of their study program, plus an additional 90 days. This 90-day extension allows students to prepare for their departure from Canada or apply for a post-graduation work permit.

If you're in Canada and your study permit is expiring soon, you can apply to extend your stay as a student before your current permit expires. It is recommended to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiry of your current permit. This will ensure that you maintain your status as a temporary resident and can continue your studies while awaiting a decision on your application.

To extend your study permit, you must submit an online application through the IRCC secure account. You will need to provide various documents, including a letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and, in some cases, a new PAL or TAL if you're changing schools or levels of study. Make sure to review the instruction guide before completing your application to ensure you have all the required documents.

It is important to keep your profile information updated during your studies in Canada. Additionally, if you plan to change your post-secondary school, you will need to obtain a new study permit by applying for an extension of your current permit. This process may involve additional steps, so it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorities.

By taking the necessary steps and submitting your application before your current permit expires, you can ensure that you maintain your legal status in Canada and continue your studies or make the necessary arrangements for your departure.

shunstudent

If your study permit expires while your extension application is pending, you can stay in Canada under 'maintained status'

International students in Canada must meet the conditions of their study permit and keep their profile information updated. If a student's study permit expires before they finish their course, they must apply to extend their stay as a student; otherwise, they will have to leave Canada.

If you are an international student in Canada and your study permit expires while your extension application is pending, you can stay in Canada under 'maintained status' (formerly known as 'implied status'). To obtain maintained status, you must submit your application online before 11:59 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the date your study permit expires. You can continue studying until you get a decision on your application. However, maintained status only applies if you remain in Canada. If you leave the country, you may be permitted to re-enter as a temporary resident, but you will not be able to resume your studies until a decision is made on your extension application.

It is important to note that your other documents, such as your Medical Services Plan (MSP), Social Insurance Number (SIN), and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), may also expire when your study permit expires. To prevent gaps in health insurance coverage, you must request a temporary extension of your MSP while on maintained status. Additionally, if you need to renew your SIN or health insurance, you will need a valid study permit.

If you do not apply to extend your stay before your study permit expires, you will lose your status as a student and will no longer be authorised to study or work in Canada until you obtain a new study permit. You will have 90 days from the date you lost your status to apply to restore it, but you will not be authorised to study or work while waiting for a decision.

shunstudent

If you're outside Canada, you must apply for a new study permit from your home country or country of residence

If your study permit expires, you may face serious consequences, including deportation. If you are outside Canada and your study permit is expired or invalid, you must apply for a new study permit from your home country or country of residence. This application must include a confirmation of enrolment or eligibility-to-return letter, and a PAL from U of T. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada. It is important to note that your TRV will have the same expiry date as your new study or work permit.

To apply for a new study permit from outside Canada, you will need to complete an online application. This typically involves answering a questionnaire, creating a personal checklist code, signing up for or logging into a MYCIC account, and providing the required application forms and documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on your situation, so it is always best to refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In some cases, you may be able to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it. However, this option is only available if you continue to meet the requirements and conditions of your original permit. Additionally, the processing time for a restoration of status can vary, typically ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months.

If your study permit is still valid or has been extended while you were away, you may be allowed to enter Canada as a student. However, if your study permit expires after you have submitted your application for an extension but before a decision is made, you can remain in Canada under "maintained status" until a decision is reached on your new permit application.

It is important to keep your profile information updated in your online account throughout your studies in Canada. This includes updating any changes to your profile information and ensuring your passport remains valid by renewing it at least 6 months in advance of its expiry date.

shunstudent

If your visa has expired, you may be able to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it

If your international student visa has expired, you may be able to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it. This process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. To do this, you must meet the requirements under which you were allowed to enter and stay in the country and meet all the conditions imposed on your permit. You may remain in the country while your application is being processed, but you are not allowed to study or work until your status has been restored.

If you are in Canada, you will need a valid study permit to renew your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or health insurance. If you are a returning student currently residing outside Canada, you must apply for a new study permit from your home country or country of residence with a confirmation of enrolment or eligibility-to-return letter. If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, or Entry Visa) to travel to or re-enter Canada. Your TRV will be issued with the same expiry date as your new study or work permit.

If you are in the United States, you can stay in the country on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or travelling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the US. Automatic revalidation allows F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the US and re-enter on an expired visa, provided they have the proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit.

If you are in Canada or the US, it is important to consult your DSO, embassy, or legal advisor before travelling.

shunstudent

If you're in the US, you can stay on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status

If you're in the US on an F-1 student visa, you can remain in the country until you complete your coursework, as long as you maintain your student status and don't drop out of your program. This is known as "duration of status," and it means that you are not required to renew your F-1 entry visa to stay in the US. The date stamped on your passport for US entry is only an entry document and does not determine the length of your legal stay.

After completing your coursework, you are given a 60-day grace period to change your visa status or depart the US. It's important to note that if you travel outside the US after your F-1 visa expires but haven't completed your studies, you will need to apply for a new visa stamp before re-entering the country with F-1 status. This process is similar to your initial visa application, and you will need to demonstrate your intent to return home after completing your studies and provide proof of sufficient funds for both studies and living expenses.

To maintain your student status while in the US, there are several important considerations. Firstly, always enrol full-time for the next semester before the deadline expires. Secondly, ensure you have up-to-date authorisation from your foreign student adviser or Designated School Official (DSO) regarding your approved credits and subjects. F-1 students are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week, but off-campus work requires proper authorisation. Keep all your paperwork, such as Form I-20, updated, especially if you need more time to complete your degree.

If you need to renew your passport while in the US, you can delay leaving until you have done so. However, to re-enter the US, you must present both your old and new passports. Additionally, if your expired passport has a valid visa, you can still use it as long as you have both passports. Remember that certain countries have agreements with the US that allow entry with a passport until its expiration date.

Frequently asked questions

If your study permit expires while you're outside of Canada, you must apply for a new one from your home country or country of residence. You will need a confirmation of enrolment or eligibility-to-return letter and a PAL.

If your study permit expires after you've submitted your application for an extension but before you receive a decision, you can stay in Canada under what's called "maintained status". This means you can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made on your new permit application.

To extend your international student visa, you will need a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a completed application form. You may also need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) if you are extending your permit before it expires.

It depends on the country. For example, if you have an F-1 visa, you can stay in the US on an expired visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are travelling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return.

If your international student visa expires before you finish your studies, you must apply to extend your stay as a student. If you don't, you will need to stop studying and leave the country.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment