Overview
Students often use “extension” and “restoration” as if they were interchangeable late filings. They are not. This comparison page puts the two paths side by side so you can identify which one matches your dates—then open the detailed guide for that path.
Common situations
Same expiry date, different filing days
Two students with the same printed expiry can end on opposite paths solely because one submission landed before midnight and the other after. See our blog on filing dates for the narrative version of this problem.
“I almost applied on time”
Almost does not create maintained status. IRCC looks at receipt of a complete application.
Switching from student to worker application
Pending work permits follow different study/work rules. Do not use this comparison as a substitute for PGWP or work-permit pages.
Side-by-side comparison
| Topic | Extension (on time) | Restoration (after expiry) |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Application received before expiry | Permit expired before you applied |
| Student status while waiting | Maintained (typically) | Lost until restored |
| Study while waiting | Usually yes under original conditions | No until restored + new permit |
| Typical fees | Study permit fee ($CAN 150) | Restoration + study permit (Help Centre: $200 + $150) |
| Time limit to apply | Before expiry (apply early) | 90 days (Help Centre) |
| PAL/TAL | Possible exemption if same DLI/level | New PAL/TAL generally required |
| Approval | Not guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
Confirm every fee and exemption on live IRCC pages.
Compare your expiry date with IRCC’s submission receipt. Tamara can help you read the difference before you file.
Which detailed guide should you read next?
- On-time filing / still before expiry → Study Permit Extension and Maintained Status
- Already expired → Study Permit Expired and Restore Student Status
- Travel plans while pending → Travel While Permit Extension Is Processing
- Plain-language “can I stay?” → Can I Stay After My Permit Expires?
Decision steps
- Write the expiry date on your study permit.
- Write the IRCC submission date (or “not submitted”).
- If submission is before expiry → extension path.
- If expiry came first and you are within 90 days → restoration path.
- If past 90 days → do not force restoration assumptions; get advice.
Common mistakes
- Uploading an “extension” after expiry without selecting restoration
- Continuing to study after loss of status
- Skipping a new PAL/TAL on restoration
- Treating friends’ timelines as your legal clock
- Travelling without understanding re-entry limits
Related guides
- Study Permit Extension in Canada
- Restore Student Status in Canada
- Maintained Status for Students
- Study Permit Expired
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Wrote down permit expiry and IRCC receipt dates
- Identified extension vs restoration before uploading forms
- Checked fee difference (study permit only vs + restoration)
- Checked PAL/TAL rules for your path
- Confirmed whether you must stop studying
- Read the matching detailed guide for your path
Frequently asked questions
- What is the single biggest difference?
- Whether IRCC received your application before the study permit expired. That timestamp usually decides maintained status versus restoration.
- Which path lets me keep studying while waiting?
- An on-time study permit extension with maintained status usually does. Restoration does not—IRCC says you cannot study until restored.
- Which path costs more?
- Restoration adds a restoration fee (Help Centre cites CAN$200) on top of the study permit fee. Confirm live fees on IRCC.
- Do both paths need a PAL/TAL?
- It depends. Some same-DLI extensions may be exempt; restoration as a student generally needs a new PAL/TAL even at the same DLI and level.
- Is restoration just a late extension?
- No. It is a different legal pathway with different rights while waiting and no guarantee of approval.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
- Study Permit Extension in Canada
- Restore Student Status
- Maintained Status for Students
- Study Permit Expired
References
- Extend your study permit or restore your status
- What to do if your permit expired
- Help Centre answer 475
- PAL/TAL requirements
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.