How to Extend Your Student Visa/Study Permit in Canada?

Studying in Canada can be a rewarding experience for international students. Not only do they get to pursue their education in top-notch institutions, but they also get to explore the diverse culture and picturesque landscapes that Canada has to offer. However, for international students, staying in Canada beyond the validity of their study permit can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the process of extending your student visa in Canada.

How to Apply for a Student Visa or Study Permit in Canada?

The first step in extending your student visa in Canada is to apply for a student/study permit. A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada. To apply for a study permit, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: Before you begin the application process, you must ensure that you have all the necessary documents. These include a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a valid passport, proof of financial support, and any other supporting documents required by the Canadian government.
2. Complete the Application Form: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can start filling out the application form. The form can be accessed online or in paper form. You must provide accurate information and ensure that all the information you provide is consistent with the information on your other documents.
3. Pay the Application Fee: There is a non-refundable fee for submitting a study permit application. The fee must be paid before the application can be processed. The amount of the fee varies depending on the country of residence, so it is important to check the current fee before submitting the application.
4. Submit the Application: Once you have completed the application form and paid the fee, you can submit your application online or in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

When to Apply for a Student Visa Permit?

It is important to apply for a student visa extension before your current permit expires. The processing time for a study permit extension can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the time of year. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for an extension at least 3-4 months before your current permit expires.

Processing Time for Student Visa Extension

The processing time for a student visa extension can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications received by the Canadian government. Generally, it takes around 8-12 weeks to process a student visa extension. However, during peak season, the processing time can be longer.

Requirements To Apply for Student Visa Extension

To extend your student visa in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have a valid study permit.
2. You must be enrolled in a full-time program at a DLI.
3. You must have satisfactory academic standing and attendance.
4. You must have enough funds to support yourself during your extended stay in Canada.
5. You must not have a criminal record or pose a risk to Canadian security.
6. You must meet the health requirements set by the Canadian government.

How Much Does It Cost for Processing Fee for Student Visa Extension?

The fee for processing a student visa extension is CAD 150. In addition to the processing fee, you may also be required to pay for biometric fees, which are currently CAD 85.

What to Do If Your Study Permit Has Already Expired?

If your study permit has already expired, you must apply for a restoration of status. Restoration of status is the process of regaining your status as a student in Canada. To apply for a restoration of status, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must apply for restoration within 90 days of the expiry of your study permit.
2. You must have continued to study during the period that your study permit was expired.
3. You must not have worked
4. You must have a valid reason for not being able to apply for an extension before your study permit expired.

To apply for restoration of status, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: Before you begin the application process, you must ensure that you have all the necessary documents. These include a letter of acceptance from a DLI, a valid passport, proof of financial support, and any other supporting documents required by the Canadian government.
2. Complete the Application Form: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can start filling out the application form. The form can be accessed online or in paper form. You must provide accurate information and ensure that all the information you provide is consistent with the information on your other documents.
3. Pay the Application Fee: There is a non-refundable fee for submitting a restoration of status application. The fee must be paid before the application can be processed. The amount of the fee is CAD 200.
4. Submit the Application: Once you have completed the application form and paid the fee, you can submit your application online or in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

It is important to note that if your restoration of status application is denied, you must leave Canada immediately.

What to Do If You Are Planning to Travel Outside of Canada?

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada while your study permit extension application is being processed, you must ensure that you have the necessary documents to re-enter Canada. These include a valid passport, a valid study permit, and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if required.

If your study permit extension application is still in progress when you return to Canada, you may be allowed to enter Canada as a visitor until a decision is made on your application.

What to Do If You Have Applied for a Different Permit?

If you have applied for a different permit, such as a work permit or a permanent residency permit, while your study permit extension application is being processed, you must inform the Canadian government of the change in your status. This can be done by submitting a notification of change in circumstances form.

If your other permit is approved before your study permit extension application is processed, your study permit extension application will become invalid, and you will need to apply for a new study permit.

In conclusion, extending your student visa in Canada can be a complex process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. To ensure that your application is processed on time, it is important to apply for an extension well before your current permit expires and to meet all the requirements set by the Canadian government. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can extend your student visa and continue your studies in Canada.