Study Permit Restoration for Canada

If your study permit has expired while you were in Canada and you did not apply for an extension or restoration on time, you may need to apply for a study permit restoration to regain your legal status. A study permit restoration allows you to stay in Canada and continue your studies without leaving the country. This process is essential if you wish to continue studying after your permit has expired, but you must meet specific requirements to restore your status.

What is Study Permit Restoration?

Study permit restoration is a process by which international students who have overstayed their study permit can regain legal status in Canada. If your study permit expires and you fail to apply for an extension before it expires, you can apply for restoration of your status within 90 days of the expiry date. Restoration allows you to stay in Canada and continue your studies as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

If more than 90 days have passed since your study permit expired, you are no longer eligible for restoration and must leave Canada and apply for a new study permit from abroad.

Eligibility for Study Permit Restoration

To be eligible for study permit restoration, you must meet the following requirements:

• Expired Study Permit: Your study permit must have expired. You must apply for restoration within 90 days of your study permit’s expiry date. After 90 days, you are no longer eligible for restoration and must leave Canada.
• Continued Enrollment: You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You will need to provide proof of enrollment when applying for restoration.
• Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport. If your passport has expired, you may need to renew it before applying for restoration.
• Intent to Stay in Canada: You must demonstrate your intent to continue studying and comply with the conditions of your study permit (i.e., not engaging in unauthorized work or other activities).
• Good Academic Standing: You must be in good academic standing with your institution and show that you are progressing in your studies.

How to Apply for Study Permit Restoration

If you are within the 90-day window after your study permit expiry, you can apply for restoration by following these steps:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before applying for restoration, ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, including having a valid passport, being enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution, and having stayed within the 90-day grace period after your study permit expiry.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need to submit the following documents as part of your study permit restoration application:

• Your expired study permit.
• A valid passport (make sure the passport is valid for the entire period of your intended stay).
• Proof of enrollment from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as an official enrollment letter or transcripts.
• A letter of explanation detailing why your study permit expired and why you did not apply for an extension on time (if applicable).
• Evidence that you can financially support yourself while studying in Canada (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, scholarship documents).
• Any other supporting documents that may be requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply for study permit restoration either online or via paper application:

• Online Application: Create an account on the IRCC website and complete the necessary forms, including the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709). Upload all your documents digitally and pay the application fee.
• Paper Application: Download the required forms from the IRCC website, fill them out, and mail them along with your documents to the appropriate visa office.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

Once your application is submitted, IRCC will process it. The processing time can vary, so be sure to apply well in advance of any important deadlines. While waiting for the decision, you are authorized to stay in Canada under the same conditions as your expired study permit if you applied for restoration before your permit expired.

Step 5: Receive Your Restoration Decision

If your restoration application is approved, you will be granted a new study permit. This new permit will allow you to continue studying legally in Canada for the approved duration. If your application is denied, you may need to leave Canada and apply for a new study permit from abroad.

Duration of Study Permit Restoration

The duration of your restored study permit will depend on your study program and the period of time you need to complete your studies. Generally, the restoration period is granted for the time required to finish your program, but the IRCC will decide based on the information you provide during the application process.

Important Considerations

• Apply Before Your Permit Expires: It’s crucial to apply for restoration before your study permit expires. If you fail to apply within the 90-day period, you lose your eligibility for restoration and will be required to leave Canada.
• Proof of Enrollment: Ensure that you provide proof of enrollment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to demonstrate your continued studies.
• Financial Support: You must show proof of funds to demonstrate that you can support yourself and any dependents during your extended stay in Canada.
• No Unauthorized Work: If you’ve been working illegally without authorization, this may negatively impact your application for restoration. Make sure that you only work if you have the proper authorization to do so.

Processing Time for Study Permit Restoration

The processing time for study permit restoration applications varies depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. On average, it can take a few weeks to a few months. It’s essential to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you remain in legal status while waiting for the decision. Check the current processing times on the IRCC website.

Conclusion

Restoring your study permit is vital if your permit has expired and you want to continue studying in Canada. By meeting the eligibility requirements and applying within the 90-day grace period, you can restore your legal status and stay in Canada to complete your studies. Be sure to gather all the necessary documents and apply as early as possible to avoid complications with your status.

For more information and to apply online, visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.