Study Permit Extension
To avoid disruptions to your studies, apply to extend your study permit 5 to 6 months before it expires.
If you are also applying to extend immigration documents for your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, consult an International Student Specialist before submitting your application. This will help you determine the best course of action for you and your family.
Key IRCC Regulations for Study Permit Extension
If you do not comply with study permit conditions, an IRCC or CBSA officer may require you to leave Canada.
Location Requirement
You must be physically present in Canada to submit your online Study Permit extension.
DLI Number
You must include the University of Alberta Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number in your application. DLI#: O19257171832. The first character is the letter 'O', not the digit zero '0'.
Maintained Status
If you apply before your current study permit expires, you will have a “maintained status,” which is a legal status that authorizes you to remain in Canada.
Restoring Status
If your study permit expires before you apply, you can apply to restore your student status within 90 days from the expiration date of your study permit, provided you meet the original permit conditions. You must not study or work while waiting for restoration approval.
Permit Expiry After Studies
Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after you complete your studies or on the expiry date of your study permit, whichever comes first.
Temporary Resident Visa
If you are from a visa-required country, you need to extend your study permit first, wait for a new permit, and then apply for your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). You cannot apply for your TRV and study permit at the same time.
The information regarding the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) exemption requirements has been updated since this video was recorded. When answering the question, "Do you have a provincial or territorial attestation letter, or meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter?" in the IRCC questionnaire:
- If you are exempt from needing a PAL, you must select "Yes, I meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter."
- You are then required to upload a PAL exemption letter. Refer to the supporting documents section to access the letter.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account
- Watch: How to create a GCKey Account
Application Form (IMM5709) → Watch Video
Read the step-by-step instructions on how to complete the IMM5709 form.
Proof of Enrolment
Students starting a new program
- Submit your original letter of admission or acceptance
Continuing students (same program)
Undergraduate students: Request Verification of Enrolment (VOE) in Beartracks
(Academic Records → Verification Documents → Enrollment Verification → Verification of Enrollment including courses)
| Situation | What to Submit |
|---|---|
| I can register for the upcoming Fall/Winter | Register in those terms and submit a VOE showing Fall & Winter enrolment |
| VOE for the upcoming terms is not available |
Submit current academic year VOE (Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer if registered) Include a letter from your faculty confirming your expected completion date |
Important: Combine all documents (VOE + faculty letter, if required) into one file before uploading.
Graduate students: Request a letter confirming your enrolment and expected completion date through the Student Service Catalog.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
You do not need a PAL if you are continuing in the same program at the same level at the University of Alberta. You must include a letter of exemption with your application. Access the exception letter template
You need a PAL,
- If you are a High School student in Canada and are applying for a post-secondary study permit
- If you are applying to extend your study permit to change your DLI
- If you are applying to restore your student status. To request a PAL, contact an International Student Specialist
Proof of Funds
- Bank statements for the past 6 months (use e-statements)
- Letter of financial support from family (if needed)
- Other proof of income (e.g., Department funding letter for graduate students and/or scholarships)
- Merge all financial documents into a single PDF
- Recommended to have a table of contents page for your financial documents
If your placement is in the health services field (e.g., nursing, pharmacy) or in the K-12 education field (BEd), you must ensure that there are no conditions on your study permit that would restrict you from working in your respective field as part of your program. If such a condition exists, you must apply to change the condition on your study permit by submitting a study permit extension.
Temporary IME Exemption: A temporary public policy currently exempts certain foreign nationals in Canada from the Immigration Medical Exam (IME) requirement until October 5, 2029.
To be eligible for this exemption, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You applied for or are applying for either permanent residence or temporary residence
- You already live in Canada
- You completed your previous IME in the last 5 years
- Your previous IME indicated a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety
For more information, visit the IRCC webpage
If you completed an Immigration Medical Exam within 5 years of submitting your new application, include the IME number (or unique medical identifier number) from your previous IME in your current application.
In the IRCC questionnaire, Have you had a medical exam performed by an IRCC authorized panel physician (doctor) within the last 12 months? Answer "Yes" then follow the instructions that apply to you from below:
Applicants who do NOT have an IME completed within the past 5 years: Find a Panel Physician to book your appointment for an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before you submit your co-op work permit. Upload the IME form that you get from the Panel Physician to your document checklist without an explanation letter.
Applicants with IME completed within the past 12 months (still valid): Upload your IME form without an explanation letter.
Applicants with IME completed within the past 5 years (expired): Upload your IME form WITH an explanation letter requesting that your permit be considered under the IRCC temporary measure that waives the IME requirement, so your permit is issued without restrictions.
Other Documents
- Passport-style digital photo
- Scanned copy of your passport (the page that shows your birth date and country of origin, and all pages that contain a stamp or Visa)
- Letter of Explanation (upload under Client Information): To explain your request or to provide additional information to be considered in your application
You may need additional documents. Consult with an International Student Specialist if any of the following apply:
- You are taking an extended break from studies (one year or longer).
- Your verification of enrollment does not accurately reflect the time needed to complete your program.
An International Student Specialist can confirm if extra documentation is required for your specific situation.
Pay Your Fees
- Study Permit fee: $150 with a credit or debit card
- Biometrics fee: $85 (if applicable)
Check if your biometrics are valid. If required, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter after applying. Use the letter to book an appointment at a Service Canada Centre.
Check IRCC Current Processing Times
After you apply for a study permit extension
Here’s what you need to know about studying and working while you wait for a decision:
Continuing in the Same Program or level at the U of A
You may continue studying and working while your application is being processed, as long as you remain enrolled in the same level and program.
Starting a New Program at the U of A (Different Level)
You can start your new program even if your study permit extension hasn’t been approved yet. You may also be eligible to work between the two programs. Learn about work eligibility
High School Students in Canada Admitted to the U of A
You can begin your U of A studies while your application is being processed, if you submitted the extension application before your current study permit expires.
Starting a Program at a Different Institution (DLI)
You cannot begin your new program at another Designated Learning Institution (DLI) until your study permit extension is approved. You may still be eligible to work between the two programs. Learn about work eligibility
These steps provide general information that was accurate at the time of publication. For any advice on your specific situation, consult with the International Student Specialist. For the most up-to-date immigration information, visit the official Canada.ca website. If you have any questions after reviewing the information,