Do I need a new PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter)?

A new PAL is required if you’re changing the level of study (bachelor’s to masters) or if you’re changing schools. If you are changing the same level of study at the same school, you do not need a new PAL (for example. diploma to diploma).

 When should I apply to extend my study permit?

You should apply at least 30 days before your study permit expires. However, it’s best to apply as early as possible because processing time takes 4-6 months these days!

Can I apply for a study permit extension if my current permit has already expired?

If your permit has expired, you will need to apply for a restoration of status as well as a newstudy permit. But don’t worry, these are done on the same application.

What documents do I need to extend my study permit?

You will typically need:

-Proof of enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

-A valid passport and current visa/permit

-Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel

-Your letter of purpose on why you need an extension or a new study visa

Being an international student is expensive and applying for a second permit for more studies is not cheap. But you should show as much money as possible or else you risk the chance of rejection on financial grounds. Don’t take the risk or your entire Canadian plan could go down the drain.

Can I continue studying while my application is being processed?

If you applied for an extension before your permit expired, you can continue studying under the implied status until you receive a decision.

Can I work while waiting for my study permit extension?

You can continue to work on the same conditions as your current study permit while waiting for your new permit, as long as you applied before your current permit expired.

Typically, the conditions of work on a study permit are that you can work up to 20 hours/ week during school and fulltime during holidays.

What happens if my study permit application is refused?

If your study permit extension is refused, you will need to leave Canada immediately unless you apply for another visa or status. With the long processing time these days (4+months), by the time the decision is made you might be well out of status and outside of the restoration period.

Do I need to provide biometrics for a study permit extension?

If you have already provided biometrics in the past 10 years when you applied for a work, study or visitor visa, you will not need to do it again.

How much does it cost to extend a study permit?

As of 2025, the government fee for extending a study permit is $150 and another $239.75 if you with to restore your status as a student.