All Canadian provinces welcome international students who wish to study at recognized post-secondary educational institutions. However it is incumbent upon the students to ensure that they maintain legal status in Canada for the duration of their studies.

From time to time, this means that students will have to extend or change their study permits.

If your study permit is set to expire before you have completed your current program of study, or if you are graduating from a program and wish to enrol in another program, such as a Masters or Doctoral degree, you will need to apply for a renewal of your study permit.

It is critical that you do this at least 30 days before your current study permit expires, to ensure that you do not lose your legal status in Canada. If required, you can apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) once the renewal of your study permit has been approved. If you are studying in Quebec, you are also likely to need a new Certificat D’acceptation Du Quebec, or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

It is critical that you do this at least 30 days before your current study permit expires, to ensure that you do not lose your legal status in Canada. If required, you can apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) once the renewal of your study permit has been approved. If you are studying in Quebec, you are also likely to need a new Certificat D’acceptation Du Quebec, or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

How do I maintain my status in Canada?

Study permits are issued with an expiry date. If you intend to continue studying in Canada beyond that date, you will need to apply for a renewal. The general recommendation is that you do this at least 30 days before your study permit expires. However, if you submit your application at any time before your current permit expires, you will be allowed to remain in Canada and continue studying until a decision has been made.

Note: individuals applying for permanent residence will be required to leave Canada under these circumstances unless they have valid temporary status as a visitor, student or worker.

Additionally, you need to ensure that you adhere to the conditions laid out in your study permit. For example, there may be restrictions on whether you can work, how many hours per week you can work and what the nature of that work can be. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in your study permit not being renewed.

If you fail to apply for a renewal before your study permit expires, you will be required to leave Canada. If desired, you can submit an application to return from outside of Canada.

What if I’m changing schools or study programs?

If you want to transfer to a different educational institution, or if you want to switch to a different study program or level of study, you may do so on your current study permit as long as the following conditions apply:

• The school you are transferring to is recognized by the province you are studying in
• You have adhered to the conditions laid out in your study permit
• Your study permit has not expired