International Student in Canada: How to Renew Your Study Permit

International students those wishing to continue studying in Canada can apply online to extend their studies study permits and must do so at least 30 days before their current one expires.

Now, study permits – and renewals of those permits – require the international student to pay a $150 fee.

But Ottawa is temporarily waiving those fees for Syrian, Turkish, Sudanese and Iranian international students.

Syrian and Turkish international students will receive tuition discounts until September 25, as massive earthquakes have caused widespread damage in their home countries.

Iranian international students get free extensions of their study permits as Canada aids those foreigners due to the gross and systematic human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime during its brutal crackdown on demonstrators.

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“Canada will not stand idly by this aggression as the Iranian regime continues its ongoing human rights abuses,” said Immigration Secretary Sean Fraser.

“Our government continues to stand up for the Iranian people by making it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their stay here in Canada to be with their families and by enabling them to continue working and studying safely. We will continue to work closely with the Iranian-Canadian community, which is determined to shed light on the repressive actions of the Iranian regime.”

Ottawa banned senior officials from Iran from entering Canada in early October last year after the Iranian regime was identified as engaging in human rights abuses and terrorism.

With these facilitating measures, international students from Iran can obtain a free extension of their study permit until the end of February.

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“It doesn’t matter why you are here, at this time of great uncertainty for the Iranian people, Canada remains committed to supporting the Iranian-Canadian community,” Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wilkinson said.

“With these new measures, we hope to alleviate the hardships they currently face by making it easier for them to stay longer in a place where it is safe to live and work. And maybe call home one day.

Sudanese international students can also get free extensions of their study permits as Canada offers them a safe haven in the wake of the fighting between rival factions in their home country.

Applications for renewal of a study permit are usually completed online

“Canada has a proud and long tradition of providing protection to vulnerable people around the world and we are deeply concerned for the well-being of people in Sudan, including Canadians and their family members,” said Fraser.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are working to provide support to those seeking safety in Canada.”

Before applying for a study permit extension, an international student should make sure they have everything they need, including a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of all relevant documents and a valid credit or debit card.

International students are also advised to read the instruction guide carefully before completing their application as this guide explains how to complete each field on the form.

“Before you can upload your forms, you need to answer some questions,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states on its website. “We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.”

Fees – for those who must pay them – are paid at the end of the application process.

“You need an account to apply online,” the IRCC notes. “You can use your account to: pay your fees; submit your application, and; check your status.

By applying online, international students save courier costs and, of course, mail delivery time, as immigration officers receive the application immediately. This may mean that the request is processed more quickly.

International students are usually required to apply online to renew their study permit, but those who suffer from a disability or other barrier that prevents them from applying online or makes applying online unreliable may be exempted from this requirement and submit a paper application submit.

The IRCC recommends anyone planning to submit a paper application this manual and download these documents:

Disabled students, those who encounter barriers to the online application process, can submit paper applications

In cases where the international student’s study permit has already expired, he or she must restore his student status by selecting both:

• an initial study permit or extension study permit, and;
• restoration of temporary residence status as a student.

“Explain how you lost your status and why you stayed in Canada longer than allowed,” the IRCC notes. “There is no guarantee that we will accept your application (but) you can remain in Canada while we process your applications.”

International students seeking to renew their study permit may be required to pay third-party fees for medical exams, police certificates, and language tests.

Once the application is completed, it should be sent to the address on the application package along with proof of payment and necessary documents.

“If you are unable to apply online or use the forms above due to a disability, you can ask for other formats, including large print and braille,” the IRCC notes.