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Extend your study permit or restore your status: How to apply

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Applying for a study permit extension on or after January 30, 2024

On January 30, 2024, a new version of the study permit extension application form (IMM5709) will be available. If you apply through the IRCC secure account on or after this date, you must use the new version of the form. We will not accept applications using the old version of the form.

If your school is no longer on the designated learning institution (DLI) list 

Processing time ?

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Processing times

Processing times will vary based on:

  • the type of application submitted
  • if the application is complete
  • how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
  • how easily we can verify your information
  • how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
  • other factors

Learn how processing times are calculated.

You can either

  • keep studying until your current permit expires or
  • transfer to another DLI

If you want to extend your study permit, you’ll need to enroll at a school with DLI status.

If you plan to leave Canada either before or after you’ve applied for a study permit extension, you won’t be allowed to re-enter unless

  • you have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit and
  • you have a valid travel document

If you’ve deferred your enrolment

If you’ve deferred your enrolment and the DLI that issued your letter of acceptance is de-designated before you start studying, you cannot start studying at that school.

  • If you’re in Canada with a valid study permit, you’ll need to
    • apply to and be accepted at a new DLI
    • update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount
  • If your study permit has been approved but not issued yet
    • we’ll send you a request to provide a new letter of acceptance from a new DLI
    • you’ll need to update the information about your learning institution in MyAccount (if your study permit is approved)

Apply online to extend your study permit

A study permit is not a visa

Find out what you need to re-enter Canada if you leave.

Step 1: make sure you have what you need

Post-secondary students

Your school will be asked to make sure your letter of acceptance is valid.

If your school does not respond by the deadline, we’ll return your application and refund your processing fee. Confirm with your school that they will validate your letter of acceptance before resubmitting your application.

To apply, you’ll need

  • a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
  • a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: read the instruction guide

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide explains how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

  1. Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
  2. Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Step 3: prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Step 5: create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

  • pay your fees
  • submit your application
  • check your status
Create an account or sign in

How applying online helps you

  • There are no courier fees and no mail delivery time—we get your application instantly.
  • Your application may be processed more quickly.
  • It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
  • You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
  • You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Alternate application format

You must apply online to extend your study permit. However, you may be eligible for an exemption that allows you to apply on paper.

Find out if you’re eligible to apply on paper

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

  • Visa®
  • MasterCard®
  • American Express®
  • JCB®
  • UnionPay® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

It must:

  • be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC® Online, and
  • be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard® and Visa® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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