International Centre

Study Permit Extension

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HELPFUL GUIDE


To extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must renew your Study Permit before it expires. Check the expiry date of your study permit and apply for an extension at least 3-4 months in advance. Renewing your study permit before it expires allows you to remain in Canada under maintained status while your application is being processed. During this time, you are permitted to continue studying and working in Canada, even if your study permit expires during the processing period. 

IMPORTANT: If you leave Canada while you are waiting for the government to process your study permit extension application, you might lose your maintained status as a student. This means that you would lose the ability to start/resume your studies once you return to Canada. It also means that you would be re-assessed as a temporary resident upon re-entry to Canada and, if granted permission to re-enter Canada, you might be required to apply for a new study permit. Given the possible immigration implications of leaving Canada while waiting for a new study permit, it is highly recommended that you meet with a Dalhousie Immigration Advisor before considering any international travel.

Study Permit Renewal Process

Step 1: Log into your Secure IRCC Account


If you are a new user, you will need to create an IRCC Secure Account. If you already have an IRCC Secure Account, you can sign in using your GCKey username and password or your Canadian Interac sign-in credentials.

Step 2: Click on 'Apply to Come to Canada'


You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit." 

Answer all the questions that follow. Please use the Study Permit questionnaire in the sidebar.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation


1. Complete the IMM 5709 Application form. Validate and save the form. You do not need to sign the form. You can find the guide to completing IMM5709 in the Helpful Guide section on the right-hand side of this webpage. If you cannot open the form, save the document to your desktop, then open the file as an Adobe PDF document on your computer.

2. Gather the following supporting documents:

  • Digital photo (420x540 pixels)
  • All passport pages with stamps, visas, photos, and signatures. All pages must be scanned into one (1) document. 
  • Confirmation of enrolment letter (available at the Registrar's Office for undergraduate students and at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for graduate students). The letter must show you are enrolled in the present semester and a future semester.
  • Proof of financial support (e.g. bank statement, loan letter, or sponsorship letter)
  • Dalhousie transcripts (can be downloaded from DalOnline, and is also called "Academic Record")

Please note: Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request additional documents. If so, they will give you an extra 3–5-days to submit them. In preparation, please gather the following documents so that you’re ready in case IRCC requests them:

  • Original letter of Acceptance/Admission (Request from Registrar's Office if you no longer have your copy)
  • Official Transcript (Request from Registrar's Office)  

Once you have all the documents ready, you should save them electronically. Ensure that each document size is 4MB or less.

Step 4: Upload biometrics receipt (if applicable)


If you paid $85.00 CAD for biometric collection but have not yet completed biometrics, please upload your $85.00 receipt under “Optional Documents-Client Information”. Make sure to indicate "YES" to biometrics in the online questionnaire or you will be charged again.

Step 5: Pay the application fee


Pay the Study Permit renewal fee of $150 CAD online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Please do not forget to print a receipt. Note: Your application will not be processed without the correct payment.

Step 6: Submit the application


Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records. After you submit your application, IRCC may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.   


 What do I do if my Study Permit has expired?

If your Study Permit expired less than 90 days ago


If your Study Permit expired less than 90 days ago, you must also apply to Restore Your Status when applying to renew it (this costs an additional $229 CAD). While awaiting a decision on your application, you may remain in Canada but you are not permitted to study or work.

If your Study Permit expired more than 90 days ago


If your Study Permit expired more than 90 days ago, you are required to leave Canada immediately and apply from outside of the country for a Study Permit (and TRV/eTA, if necessary).