If you are an international student in Canada, you may need to renew your study permit if you want to continue your studies or stay in Canada after your current permit expires. In this blog post, I will explain the process and requirements for renewing your study permit in Canada.
What is a study permit?
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to study in Canada for a specific period of time. It also sets out the conditions of your stay, such as whether you can work, travel, or change your school or program. You can find the expiry date of your study permit in the top right corner of your document.
When should you apply for a renewal?
You should apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your current study permit expires. This will ensure that you have enough time to prepare your application and submit it online. If you apply before your current permit expires, you can stay in Canada under the same conditions as your existing permit until you receive a decision on your application. This is called implied status.
How to renew a study permit?
The easiest and fastest way to apply for a renewal is online through the IRCC website. You will need to create an account or sign in with your existing account. You will also need to have the following documents ready:
A valid passport
A copy of your original admission letter from your school (if you are starting a new program)
A proof of enrolment from your school (such as a transcript, a letter, or a confirmation of enrolment)
A proof of financial support (such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters)
A digital photo that meets the IRCC specifications
A credit card or debit card to pay the application fee ($150 CAD)
You will need to fill out an online application form and upload all the required documents. You will also need to answer some questions about your personal and educational background, your travel history, and your purpose of staying in Canada. You can find detailed instructions on how to apply online on the IRCC website.
What if your study permit has already expired?
If your study permit has expired and you want to stay in Canada and continue studying, you will need to apply for a restoration of status as well as a new study permit. You must do this within 90 days of losing your status as a student. If you don’t, you must leave Canada.
To apply for a restoration of status and a new study permit, you will need to follow the same steps as applying for a renewal online. However, you will also need to pay an additional fee of $200 CAD for restoring your status. You will also need to explain why you did not apply for a renewal before your study permit expired.
You should note that applying for a restoration of status does not guarantee that you will get a new study permit. Your application will be assessed by an immigration officer who will decide whether to approve or refuse it. You should also be aware that while your application is being processed, you do not have implied status. This means that you cannot study or work in Canada until you receive a positive decision on your application.
What if you want to travel outside Canada?
If you want to travel outside Canada while your study permit is valid or while you have implied status, you will need to have a valid passport and a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada. A TRV is a sticker that is placed in your passport by a Canadian visa office abroad. An eTA is an electronic authorization that is linked to your passport by IRCC online.
Whether you need a TRV or an eTA depends on your country of citizenship and how you plan to travel to Canada. You can check the IRCC website to find out which one applies to you. You should also check the travel restrictions and requirements of the country or countries that you plan to visit.
If you want to travel outside Canada while your study permit has expired and while you are waiting for a decision on your restoration of status application, you should be very careful. If you leave Canada, you may not be able to come back until your application is approved. You may also lose your eligibility for restoring your status if you leave Canada.
Conclusion
Renewing your study permit in Canada is an important step that allows you to continue your studies and stay in Canada legally. You should apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires and follow the online application process on the IRCC website. If your study permit has already expired, you should apply for a restoration of status and a new study permit as soon as possible. If you want to travel outside Canada, you should make sure that you have the necessary documents and permissions to re-enter Canada.
Navigating the complex immigration process can be daunting, especially for international students who are focused on their studies. At Ansari Immigration, we specialize in providing expert guidance to help students and other immigrants navigate Canada's immigration rules and regulations. With years of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, we're here to assist you every step of the way.
If you've found this blog post informative, we invite you to explore our other posts, including "How to Renew Your Study Permit in Canada". Our library of resources provides insights and advice on a variety of immigration topics, ensuring you're well-informed and prepared for any situation. Whether you're renewing your study permit, applying for residency, or navigating other immigration-related issues, our blog and expert team are here to support you.
Remember, staying informed and seeking expert advice can make the difference between a smooth immigration process and potential roadblocks. Visit Ansari Immigration to learn more and set yourself up for success in Canada.
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