We recommend you apply for a study permit extension 3-4 months before its expiry. The legal deadline for IRCC to submit is 11:59 pm UTC. As long as you apply before your study permit expires, you can continue to study (and work, if eligible) until you receive a decision on your application.

If IRCC does not receive your application by your study permit expiry, you lose your status in Canada. You must immediately stop studying and working. You cannot study again until you have restored your status.

To be eligible to apply for an extension, you must have a valid study permit and be inside Canada. All applications should be made online through your IRCC secure account.

When you apply online, you will answer questions and generate a personalized document checklist.

The main documents you will need are:

• Proof of future enrolment
• Proof of financial support
• Valid passport (check the expiry)
• ID photo
• IMM application form
• Co-op work permit letter from co-op office, if applicable

While not listed as a required document, we recommend all applications have a letter of explanation written by you (submit under “client information”). This letter serves to outline what you are applying for, demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria and explain any relevant facts to IRCC. See our letter of explanation template on the Application Resources page for help.

Undergraduates and graduates can request documents through the Brock student portal. It is important that you select the correct academic year of study and session for which you are making the request. If you have any questions about document requests, please contact Brock Central.

• Undergraduates: Request a “study permit extension letter.” The standard confirmation of enrolment doesn’t include all the details IRCC requests.
• Graduates: Request a “confirmation of enrolment.”
• ESL: Requests can be made by emailing eslbrock@brocku.ca or in person at the International Centre (GLNB 208).

If you are part-time or not enrolled, make sure to connect with an international student advisor for additional advice before submitting your application.

No. If you are applying for a study permit extension from inside Canada, you are exempt under IRPR 215 (1). Visit the PAL page for more information.

One of the most common reasons for a study permit extension refusal is insufficient funds. Similar to your initial study permit application, you need to show that you have enough funds to cover:

• At least your first year of tuition (prepaid is stronger, if not required)
• Daily living expenses
• Return travel home for you and any accompanying dependants. We strongly recommend to all students that you provide as much documentation as possible rather than just trying to meet the minimum amount. Use our financial support cover letter template for help.

Typically, IRCC will issue a study permit until the end of your program plus 90 days or until your passport expiry, whichever is first. However, all final decisions on the length of your study permit are at IRCC’s discretion.

You can apply to extend your co-op work permit at the same time as you extend your study permit. You will need a new letter confirming you still have co-op to complete from your co-op program office.

If you are coming to Brock from another institution, check the expiry date and conditions on your current study permit. If it is not expiring soon (within 6 months) and there are no restrictions on changing institutions, you can continue to use that study permit to study at Brock. You must update your DLI online to notify IRCC of your change of institution.

If your study permit is expiring or you need to change the conditions on your study permit (including adding a condition allowing you to work on or off campus), you should apply for an extension. We recommend you explain this in your letter of explanation.

If your study permit extension is approved, the new study permit will be mailed to the Canadian address you indicated under “mailing address” in your IMM application form. If you are moving before you expect to receive a decision, you can:

• Use the address of someone you trust
• Purchase mail forwarding from Canada Post

If your study permit expires while you are outside Canada, you would need to apply for a new study permit and wait for a decision on the application before returning to Canada. It may not be possible for you to return, so we do not recommend you leave Canada unless your study permit will be valid beyond your return date.

See initial study permit application for details on how to apply, but note that as a returning student, you:

• Must provide a letter of enrolment (NOT a letter of acceptance with your application)
• Are not exempt from the provincial attestation letter. Depending on how many PALs Brock has available, you may or may not be eligible to receive one. You would need to request a PAL by emailing admissions@brocku.ca and providing details on your circumstances.