stmWant to learn how to get or extend your study permit in Canada? You’re at the right place. This article features all you need to know to get or extend your Canadian study permit. Read on!
The visa policy of Canada states that any foreign national wishing to enter Canada must acquire a temporary resident visa from one of the Canadian diplomatic missions except if they hold an issued passport by one of the 54 eligible visa-exempt countries and territories or proof of permanent residence in the U.S.
All visa-exempt travellers to Canada (excluding United States citizens) have been mandated to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving in Canada by air since the 10th of November, 2016.
The following visa applications can be submitted online; visitor visas, work permits, study permits and certain types of permanent residency. It is important to note that, online applicants must provide their biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) as a part of their application process.
Depending on the country by which the passport was issued, you may be required to submit your visa application at a visa application centre at a Canadian diplomatic mission.
Now let’s go on to see how to get and extend your study permits in Canada.
Types Of Canadian Temporary Residents
According to Canadian government definitions, a temporary resident, as opposed to a permanent resident, is “a foreign national who is legally authorized to enter Canada for a period of time”.
Temporary residents are subjected to certain conditions, such as the duration of stay, and the ability to work or study while in Canada.
There are four types of Canadian temporary residents:
- Visitors
- Students
- Temporary foreign workers (TFWs)
- Temporary resident permit (TRP) holders
Canadian Study Permit
The study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government, this document allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The majority of foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
However, it is important to note that, your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t give you access to Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an eTA for visa-exempted travellers. If your study permit is approved, you’ll be issued one with your study permit.
Study Permit Document Number
Your document number is found on the top right of your study permit, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) document.
It is a letter followed by 9 numbers (e.g.F987654321) on the top right. Note: The first character of the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is the letter “O”, not the digit/number zero.
Study Permit Processing Time
Normally, Canadian study permits are typically processed within the range of 9-11 weeks. The processing time starts the day that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your complete application and ends when they make a decision
Study Permit Extension Processing Time
The processing time varies depending on your situation and can take several months. If you have not applied for restoration of the study permit after 90 days from the expiry date, you’ll be required to leave the country and apply for a new study permit from your country of residence/citizenship.
Application For Study Permit In Canada
Generally, it is compulsory to apply for a study permit before you enter Canada, this does not apply to everyone, and some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can apply upon your arrival to Canada at the port of entry.
It is important that you understand the option available to you.
However, you’ll be required to submit the following documents:
- An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) you’ll be attending
- Foreign applicants under 18 must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an accepted COVID-19 readiness plan unless the applicant passes as a fully vaccinated traveller.
- As many documents are needed to complete your application process.
- Your submit permit won’t be finalized until you’ve submitted a complete application.
- Delay in the submission of documents will cause delays in processing.
- An explanation letter for any documents that are missing due to COVID-19
- If your goal is to study in Quebec, you must provide a valid certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) or your approval letter for your CAQ.
Apply online
Application for a study permit should be done online, whether you’re outside or within Canada.
If you’re unable to apply online because of a disability or because there is an issue with the online application, you can apply on paper.
Go to https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html to get started.
Application For Study Permit Extension In Canada
Normally, you are required to apply online to extend your study permit. You may also be able to apply on paper if:
- You have a disability that makes online application not possible or
- there’s an issue with the online application
Follow the steps below to apply for a study permit extension:
Step 1: Ensure that you have what you need
To apply online, you’ll need the following:
- A clear camera or scanner to create electronic copies of your documents, and
- A valid debit or credit card
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
It is important to read the instruction guide before submitting your application. The guide will give you a better understanding of how to complete each field on the form.
Step 3: Prepare your answers to the online questions
Before you will be able to upload your forms, you are required to answer some questions. The system uses your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.
Step 4: Know how much to pay
Normally, your fees include processing fees for you and anyone you add to your application.
You’ll be required to pay your fees before you submit.
Step 5: Create your online account and log in
You need to open an account to apply. You can use your account to perform the following actions:
- Pay your fees
- Submit your application
- Check your status
Study Permit Extension Rejected: What To Do
If your study permit extension was refused for some reasons you believe were invalid then you can apply for a request for reconsideration. Both the appeal and the resubmission process may take some time to process.
Final Words On How To Get And Extend Study Permit In Canada
Study in Canada, and you’ll receive an education recognized internationally by some of the top educators and academics around the globe. The country is always happy to welcome international students.
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