Instructions for renewing a study permit in Canada: when to submit documents, what documents are needed, methods and process of submission, answers to questions.
Study Permit – permission to study in Canada. To prevent your SP from being overdue , you must know its expiration date so that you can submit your renewal documents on time.
Is it possible to enter Canada now on a study visa?
Yes. There are no restrictions specifically for Russians. Also, on October 1, 2022, coronavirus restrictions were lifted. Read more in the article about the rules for entering Canada now .
When to apply for renewal
We recommend submitting your application 3-4 months before your current permit deadline as processing times vary depending on the load.
For example, during one of our client’s document submissions, the processing time was 22 days. Another time – 83. It depends on many factors.
Officially, you must apply to extend your status no later than 30 days before it expires.
If you submitted your application exactly 30 days before the deadline and the official review period has been extended, don’t worry. While your documents are being processed, you can remain in Canada, even if your Study Permit has expired.
You can only apply to renew your student status if your institution is on this list .
What documents will be required
The list of documents for renewing your student status is much shorter than the one you collected to receive your first SP.
You will need:
- International passport.
- Digital photo.
Size 3.5×4.5, color, without corners and ovals. The photo must meet all immigration requirements.
Photo requirements for a Canada visa - Acceptance Letter.
- Confirmation of availability of funds.
As such a document you can use: a bank statement with the movement of funds for the last 4 months, or a certificate from the bank with the balance.
- Valid Study Permit.
A scanned copy of a valid study permit.
- Motivation letter.
This document contains information that is not indicated in other documents, additional information that will help the immigration officer make a decision.
- Medical checkup.
Required only for those who, for any reason, lived in one of these countries for more than 6 months during the training period .
If the sponsor is paying for the trip, please also include:
- sponsorship letter ;
- copy of the sponsor’s passport;
- evidence of relationship/connection with the sponsor.
All documents provided in languages other than English or French must be translated into one of them.
Submission and receipt methods
The application is submitted online on the official website of Immigration Canada. The electronic submission method is very convenient, since all visa documents are provided in scanned form, you do not need to pay for courier services, and you can track your status in your personal account .
It is possible to extend your study permit only while in Canada. Formally, the application is submitted online, and it doesn’t matter where you are when you submit the form, but you can only receive the document itself in Canada.
Despite the fact that the procedure is called renewal, the old SP is not renewed, but replaced with a new one. Therefore, after approval of the new Study Permit, this document will be sent to you at the address specified in the application form.
Cost of student visa extension
In order to obtain an updated Study Permit, you will need to pay a consular fee of 150 CAD.
If you contact our company for help in preparation, the cost of services will be 5,000 rubles. This amount already includes all work on filling out forms, translating documents and uploading all files to your personal account.
Application and Receipt Process
The process is simple and similar to a classic visa application. It is briefly described below:
- Registration/login to your personal account.
- Filling out the questionnaire in your personal account.
- Filling out forms: IMM5709, IMM5257b_1.
- Translation and uploading of documents.
- Payment of the fee.
- Obtaining a new Study Permit in Canada.
Study Permit is a study permit, an independent document that allows you to study in Canada for more than 6 months. A student visa is a travel document that allows you to enter Canada to study.
That is, Study Permit and visa are two different documents. In this case, the first Study Permit and the student visa expire at the same time.
If you will not leave Canada during the period of further study, then you do not need to apply for a new visa; you can stay in Canada on the basis of a Study Permit. But, if you plan a trip to any country other than the USA, you will not be able to enter Canada without a visa.
If you understand that you need a visa, apply for a regular visitor visa based on a valid SP. This can also be done through your personal account online.
FAQ
Below we will discuss several questions that often arise when renewing a study permit in Canada.
| What if you did not have time to submit documents for renewal and your status has expired?
In this case, you have two options:
Both options cost significantly more than an extension and can take longer, which will negatively affect your studies. |
| If you switched to remote learning and left Canada, but your institution is approved to accept students during COVID-19.
Then, provided your current visa and SP are still valid, you can come to Canada and obtain a new study permit through the extension process. |
| Is it necessary to attach financial documents if the studies are paid for?
Yes, you must live in Canada during your studies and have the means to support yourself and pay your daily expenses. |
| Can SP renewal be refused?
Yes, your documents are processed as usual. The decision is made based on the information you provide. |
| If I also complete my studies online, do I need to renew my permit?
Yes, because regardless of the format of training, training intended for a period of more than 6 months requires a Study Permit. |