Canada · study · guide
Canada study permit extension: requirements and guide
This guide is for international students who want to extend their stay and continue studying in Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 14 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5552-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-student.html
Who can apply
To extend your stay as a student, you must remain enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution named in your study permit. You must also make reasonable progress towards completing your program.[1]
Minor children studying in Canada must hold a valid study permit. They must also be in the care of a custodian.[2]
What you need to show
You must provide a letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment from a Designated Learning Institution.[3]
You must also provide a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter issued by the province or territory where you intend to study.[4]
If you are applying to study in Quebec, you must obtain an attestation of issuance of the Quebec Acceptance Certificate.[5]
If you are a minor under 18 studying alone, your parents or legal guardians and your custodian in Canada must complete a notarized Custodianship Declaration.[6]
You must submit photocopies of your passport pages. These pages must clearly show the stamp made by Canadian authorities on your most recent entry to Canada.[7]
How to apply
You must apply online. You can only apply on paper if you are exempt due to a disability or a problem with the online application.[8]
If you apply through your IRCC secure account on or after January 30, 2024, you must use the new version of the study permit extension application form.[9]
Costs and biometrics
If you are required to give your biometrics, you must pay the biometrics fee when you apply.[10]
You must book an appointment to give your biometrics at an official biometric collection service point.[11]
Timing
You should apply to renew your study permit at least 30 days before your current status expires.[12]
Traveling outside Canada
You must have a valid travel document to return to Canada to study.[13]
You must prove to the border services officer that you meet all requirements before you can re-enter Canada.[14]
Checklist
- Apply to renew your study permit at least 30 days before your current status expires.[12]
- Get a letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment from your Designated Learning Institution.[3]
- Get a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter from your province or territory.[4]
- Use the new version of form IMM5709 if applying online on or after January 30, 2024.[9]
- Make photocopies of your passport pages showing your most recent Canadian entry stamp.[7]
Questions people ask
When should I apply to extend my Canadian study permit?
You should apply to renew your study permit at least 30 days before your current status expires.[12]
Can I apply for a study permit extension on paper?
You must apply online unless you are exempt because of a disability or a problem with the online application.[8]
What form do I need to extend my study permit?
If you apply through your IRCC secure account on or after January 30, 2024, you must use the new version of the study permit extension application form (IMM5709).[9]
Do I need a custodian if I am a minor studying in Canada?
Yes, minor children studying in Canada must be in the care of a custodian and hold a valid study permit.[2]
What documents do minor students studying alone need?
If you are a minor under 18 studying alone, your parents or legal guardians and your custodian in Canada must complete a notarized Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646).[6]
Can I travel outside Canada while my study permit is being extended?
Yes, but you must have a valid travel document to return to Canada to study, and you must prove to the border services officer that you meet all requirements before you can re-enter.[13][14]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.