Unlike your study permit, which allows you to engage in academic activities at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, your student visa is only needed for entering and leaving the country.
This means that if your student visa expires while you’re in Canada, you can continue your studies without any problems.
However, if it expires while you’re outside Canada, you won’t be able to return until you renew it.
On the other hand, if your study permit expires, you’ll lose the right to study or work as a student in Canada.
Your student visa is usually valid until your program ends, plus an extra 90 days.
Upon its expiration – whether or not you’ve completed your studies – here’s what you should do.
My student visa expired what should I do Canada
If your student visa has expired in Canada and you haven’t completed your studies, you can continue your studies as long as your study permit is valid.
However, if you plan to leave Canada, you need to apply for a new student visa before leaving the country.
While your visa has expired, you cannot leave or re-enter Canada without renewing it.
Your student visa allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes, and as a student in Canada, you need it to leave and re-enter the country.
If you’re already in Canada and your visa has expired and you’re not planning to leave Canada, there’s no need to take immediate action regarding your expired student visa as long as your study permit remains valid.
How many days can I stay in Canada after my student visa expires?
After your student visa expires in Canada, you can stay in the country till the end of your study permit.
Your expired student visa only affects your ability to leave and re-enter Canada, it does not directly affect how long you can stay in Canada if you’re inside the country when it expires.
What affects how long you’ll stay in Canada is your study permit not your student visa.
What happens when your student visa expires in Canada?
When your student visa expires in Canada, it means you cannot leave the country again, and if you’re already outside the country, you can’t re-enter.
You’ll automatically lose the legal permission to enter or leave Canada, but you can continue your studies with your valid study permit.
Read also: Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students
Therefore, to travel outside and return to Canada as a student, your student visa must be active, now that it has expired; you need to apply for a new visa.
Generally, if your student visa has expired in Canada, you don’t have to worry about your status, if you have no reason to travel out of Canada.
You only need to worry about your expired student visa if you have a reason to travel outside Canada and come back to continue your studies – in this case, you can extend it.
Key points about your expired student visa in Canada:
- Staying in Canada: Once you are in Canada, you should worry about the expiry date of your study permit more than your visa.
The reason is that you can legally remain in the country and continue your studies as long as your study permit is valid, even if your visa has expired.
- Re-entering Canada: If you plan to travel outside Canada and return, you’ll need a valid visa to re-enter the country.
If your visa has expired and you leave Canada, it means you “must” renew it before you return.
However, there is no guarantee that you’ll get approval for the new visa even though you have a valid study permit.
Having a valid study permit will increase your chances of getting your student visa renewed after it expires.
Does your student visa and study permit expire at the same time?
Yes, both your student visa and study permit are valid for the duration of your program, plus an additional 90 days for programs longer than 12 months.
They generally expire simultaneously unless you renew one or both of them.
If you find that both your student visa and study permit are expiring while you’re in Canada, prioritize renewing your study permit.
Read also: Minimum bank balance for Canada student visa
It’s critical for your legal status in the country.
How to stay in Canada after student visa expires
To stay in Canada after your student visa expires, ensure that your study permit remains valid, as this allows you to continue your studies.
If your study permit has also expired, you must apply for a restoration of status within 90 days, but you cannot study or work until your status is restored.
If you plan to leave Canada and your student visa has expired, you’ll extend your visa before leaving.
You can extend your student visa offline or online.
For offline, you have to submit the required document in person at your nearest visa application centre while for online, you submit through the IRCC website.
How to extend a student visa in Canada online
To extend your Canada student visa online, confirm that you meet all the requirements and create an account with IRCC, if you do not have one already.
What documents do I need to renew my student visa in Canada?
Just like in your first application, you need the following requirements to extend your student visa:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid till your intended stay in Canada.
- Proof of enrollment: This is a confirmation of enrollment from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Proof of financial support: Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada.
- Recent passport-sized photo: Your photos must follow the IRCC specifications for the photo.
- Copy of your study permit: You also need a copy of your valid study permit.
- Student visa application form: You need to fill out the student visa renewal form.
Depending on your circumstances, you can be required by IRCC to attach a specific supporting document like an identifying document.
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Log into your IRCC accountÂ
To start the extension process, log into your Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account.
Read also: What to do if my Canada student visa is rejected?
On your dashboard, fill out the student visa extension form, upload the required documents (as listed above) and pay for the application using your card.
Payment is made online.
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Submit your application
Upon completing the form, submit your application, including all the required documents.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message from IRCC.
After this, it can take several weeks for IRCC to process it.
Read also: What happens if my Australian student visa expires?
During this time, you must stay in Canada and avoid travelling.
If your application is approved, you’ll be notified through your IRCC account and email.
Your student visa will be extended, and you’ll be able to leave and re-enter Canada as needed.
FAQs
How long does it take IRCC to review eligibility for a student visa?
It takes IRCC between 3 to 6 weeks to review your eligibility for a student visa and reach a decision on your application.
How much does it cost to extend a student visa in Canada?
It costs CAD 150 to extend a student visa in Canada. You’ll pay this fee when submitting the extension application.
How long does it take to extend a student visa in Canada?
On average, it takes about 45 days to extend your student visa in Canada but this number can increase if there is an issue with your application.
Can I travel to Canada if my student visa expires in 1 month?
Yes, you can travel to Canada if your student visa expires in 1 month. With 1 month to expire, your student visa is still valid and allows you to enter the country.
Can I stay in Canada after finishing my study?
Yes, you can stay in Canada after finishing your studies if you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows you to work in the country for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
If your student visa has expired in Canada, you can still stay legally in the country and continue your studies if your study permit is valid.
However, if you plan to leave and re-enter Canada, you need to extend/renew your student visa.
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