Overview
Use this guide if you are already in Canada and your study permit has expired, is about to expire, or you are unsure whether you still have status. Timing matters: the rules for maintained status and restoration are different.
This is general information, not advice for a specific refusal, removal order, or history of unauthorized work or study.
Common situations
My permit expires soon and I have not applied yet
IRCC Help Centre recommends applying to extend more than 30 days before expiry. If you apply before the permit expires, you may qualify for maintained status while IRCC processes your application.
I applied to extend before my permit expired
You may have maintained status. For a study permit extension, IRCC Help Centre says you can usually keep studying under the conditions of your original permit until a decision is made.
My permit already expired and I did not apply in time
IRCC says you lose student status if the permit expired before you applied for a new one. You cannot study until status is restored and you receive a new study permit. You may still be able to restore status within 90 days (Help Centre).
I applied for a PGWP instead of extending my study permit
Do not assume the same rules as a study permit extension. Help Centre answer 475 says you cannot keep studying while waiting for a work permit. Some PGWP applicants who already could work off campus have different rules under answer 492.
Did you apply before your permit expired?
Compare two dates: the expiry date on your study permit and the date IRCC received your extension application (in your online account). Do not guess.
If you applied before expiry: you may have maintained status. See the section below on maintained status.
If the permit expired first and you did not apply in time: you likely lost student status. See the section on restoration.
What happens if my study permit expired before I applied?
IRCC says you lose your student status when, among other situations:
- your study permit expired before you applied for a new one
- you changed conditions on your permit (DLI, type, location, or period of study) without following the rules
- you did not respect the conditions on your study permit
Once you lose status, you cannot study in Canada until IRCC restores your status as a student and issues a new study permit.
If you apply after expiry, IRCC says you may stay in Canada while the application is processed, but you cannot study until restoration is approved and you have your new permit.
How to restore your status as a student
If your permit expired but you still meet the requirements of your stay and respect your study permit conditions, IRCC says you may apply to restore status as a student. To keep studying, you must:
- Apply for a new study permit
- Apply to restore your temporary resident status in Canada
- Submit supporting documents
- Pay the required fees
On the application form, select Restore my status under section 3, include a note explaining why you need to extend your stay, and pay the restoration fee. Use IRCC’s document checklist for extending your stay as a student. Approval is not guaranteed.
Fees and timing
IRCC Help Centre answer 475 states:
- 90 days to apply to restore status and extend your permit
- CAN$200 restoration fee
- CAN$150 for a new study permit
The extend/restore hub lists the study permit fee at $150 and directs readers to check the live fee list for restoration. Confirm all fees on IRCC before paying.
Family members in Canada
If your spouse, partner, or dependent children are with you, they may also need to restore their status. Each person applies separately and pays their own restoration fee.
PAL/TAL when restoring
IRCC’s PAL/TAL page states you need a new PAL/TAL when restoring status as a student, even if you stay at the same DLI and level of study. Confirm on the live PAL page before you file.
Maintained status and restoration follow different rules. Tamara can review your expiry date, IRCC submission date, and next steps before you file.
What if I applied before expiry (maintained status)?
If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired and are waiting for a decision, Help Centre answers 475 and 492 say you may stay in Canada as a temporary resident.
For a study permit extension, you can usually keep studying under the conditions of your original study permit until IRCC decides.
Limits while on maintained status
While on maintained status, IRCC notes you generally cannot renew certain provincial documents (such as a driver’s licence or health card) and cannot get a new SIN. Renew important documents before your study permit expires when possible.
Apply early for your next extension
Help Centre answer 475 says you must apply at least 30 days before expiry to keep studying at the same school, and IRCC recommends applying more than 30 days before expiry.
Common mistakes
- Assuming maintained status without confirming the application was received before expiry
- Continuing to study after losing status
- Missing the 90-day restoration window
- Applying for restoration without a new PAL/TAL when one is required
- Mixing up rules for a study permit extension and a PGWP application
- Treating processing time estimates as guaranteed outcomes
What to do next
- Confirm your exact expiry date and your IRCC submission date (if any).
- If you lost status: stop studying and review restoration steps and fees on IRCC.
- If you have maintained status: confirm your pending application type allows you to keep studying.
- Use IRCC’s official checklists and references at the bottom of this page.
- Book a consultation if you want an RCIC to review your dates and options.
Before you file with IRCC
- Confirmed the expiry date on your study permit
- Checked whether your extension was submitted before that date
- Stopped studying if you lost status (expired before applying)
- Confirmed current restoration and study permit fees on IRCC
- Checked whether a new PAL/TAL is required for restoration
- Gathered documents for extend/restore using IRCC's student checklist
Frequently asked questions
- Can I keep going to class after my study permit expired?
- Not if you lost status because the permit expired before you applied to extend. IRCC says you cannot study until status is restored and you have a new study permit. If you filed an extension before expiry, maintained-status rules may allow continued study under your original conditions.
- How long do I have to restore my status?
- IRCC Help Centre answer 475 cites 90 days to apply to restore status and extend your permit. Do not wait until the last day without a plan.
- What fees apply for restoration?
- Help Centre cites CAN$200 to restore temporary resident status plus CAN$150 for a new study permit. Always re-check IRCC's fee list before you pay.
- Is restoration approved if I apply within 90 days?
- No. IRCC states there is no guarantee of approval. Meeting the deadline is required, but officers still assess your full application.
- Can I stay in Canada while restoration is processing?
- IRCC says you may stay in Canada while your application is processed after expiry, but you cannot study until status is restored and you receive a new study permit.
- What if I applied for a PGWP instead of extending my study permit?
- Different rules apply. Help Centre answer 475 says you cannot keep studying while waiting for a work permit. Answer 492 covers some PGWP applicants who already could work off campus. Read both pages for your facts.
- Do I need a new PAL/TAL to restore status?
- IRCC's PAL/TAL page states you need a new PAL/TAL when restoring status as a student, even at the same DLI and level. Confirm on the live page before filing.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- What to do if your permit expired
- Extend your study permit or restore your status
- Help Centre: How can I extend my stay as a student?
- Help Centre: Can I stay after my study permit expires if I applied for a new permit?
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
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.