How to Prolong Your Stay in Canada – As International Student

A comprehensive guide to extending your stay in Canada as a student is provided below. During their academic voyage in Canada, international students frequently require an extension or modification of their study visa. Initially, the study permit is valid for a period of 90 days following the program’s conclusion. If you are unable to finish your study program before the study permit expires, you must apply for an extension. Your study permit will expire in 90 days if you finish the program ahead of schedule. This is applicable regardless of the date of the initial study permission.

Consequently, the IRCC recommends that students submit requests for study permit extensions within 30 days of the expiration of their current permit. Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply before the 30-day deadline to reduce the likelihood of any delays or complications during the application process.

To pursue your education in Quebec, you are required to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate. In general, a CAQ is necessary to obtain a study permit.

If your study permit is about to expire

The “maintained status” category will be assigned to a student who applies for a study permit renewal, extension, or modification before the expiration of their current status. Temporary resident status will be maintained until your application is processed by the IRCC.

Nevertheless, you will be able to extend your studies for the remainder of your stay in Canada only if your status expires before IRCC approves your application.

You must preserve your legal status in the country throughout the entire process. You mustn’t exceed the duration of your stay in Canada without submitting a status change application.

Check Also: University of Alberta Scholarships – International Undergraduate

Benefits for How to Prolong Your Stay in Canada

• Additional time for work or study: Extending your permit enables you to complete your program, achieve your academic or professional objectives, and accumulate additional experience if you are currently employed or studying in Canada. For students, this could entail the completion of their degree, while for workers, it could entail the continuation of their employment and career development.
• Additional Time for Exploration: Canada is a vast nation that boasts a variety of cultures, communities, and landscapes. By extending your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of regions, including the Rocky Mountains and the coastal cities of the East, thereby improving your travel experience.
• Increased Employment Prospects: Extending your stay may enable you to either continue or change your employment status if you are currently on a work permit. The demand for skilled workers in Canada is substantial, and the longer you remain, the greater your likelihood of securing a permanent position or progressing in your career.
• Qualification for Permanent Residency: Through programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Express Entry, or other immigration streams, your eligibility for permanent residency (PR) can be enhanced by extending your stay in Canada. When applying for permanent residency, work and academic experience in Canada are highly regarded.
• Reunification of Families: Family sponsorship programs may enable you to extend your stay and bring your family to Canada if you are currently on a temporary permit. By extending your stay, you may have the opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones.
• Healthcare Accessibility in Canada: Provincial or territorial healthcare coverage may be available to you, contingent upon the type of permit you possess. By extending your stay, you can continue to enjoy the world-class healthcare system of Canada.
• Establishing Connections and Networking: More time is available to establish a social support system, network with professionals, and form relationships during extended stays. These connections can be advantageous for both personal and professional purposes.
• Possibilities for Cultural Exchange: Increasing the duration of your visit provides additional opportunities for cultural immersion. Engaging in a variety of community activities, learning a new language, and participating in Canadian traditions can all contribute to your personal development and cultural comprehension.
• Financial and Legal Advantages: By extending your stay, you are able to maintain your residence in a secure and stable environment. Additionally, you may continue to capitalize on the Canadian financial system, which encompasses the capacity to establish a bank account, establish a credit history, and utilize additional services.
• Transition to Citizenship: Extending one’s stay can serve as a preliminary measure for individuals who are hoping to become Canadian citizens. By extending your domicile, you may be able to satisfy the eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship in the future.

In the event of an expired study permit

This suggests that you have forfeited your status in Canada if you have not yet submitted an application for a study visa but have already reached the expiration date. Furthermore, you will be unable to continue your studies until the Immigration and Refugee Council (IRCC) issues you with a new study permit. This also demonstrates the importance of having a status in Canada, as it will prevent you from resuming your education. Consequently, you will have a 90-day period in which to apply for the renewal of your status and the extension of your permit.

The cost of regaining your status is CAD 200, whereas a new study permit costs CAD 150.

What about traveling outside of Canada?

To reenter Canada, it is necessary to present a travel document.

What if the candidate has applied for a different permit?

If you were previously granted student status but subsequently applied for a work permit, you will be unable to pursue your studies while the IRCC evaluates your work permit application.

Additionally, it is not possible to pursue a degree in Canada without the IRCC’s approval of your application. Conversely, you may remain in the country as a temporary resident or visitor until your application is processed.

Extend your stay in Canada after graduation

If you plan to extend your stay in Canada as a student beyond graduation, you must maintain your legal status in the following manner:

• Submit applications for a variety of permits, taking into account your personal circumstances and eligibility. For instance, a work permit that is associated with a particular employer.
• To modify your visitor status, apply.
• To further your education, you are submitting a study permit application for the second time.

A Post-Graduation Work Permit may be available to a limited number of graduates, which enables them to reside in Canada and acquire Canadian work experience.

Eligibility Requirements for Getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit

International graduates are eligible for a PGWP if they meet the following requirements:

• If they successfully conclude an eligible program from a DLI under the PGWP
• The duration of their academic program was eight months.
• They maintained full-time student status in Canada for the duration of each academic session. Nevertheless, they may establish their status as a part-time student during the final semester of the program. Additionally, if international students enroll in part-time courses as a consequence of the coronavirus
• They submitted an authentic document or transcript that verified their completion of their education.
• They submitted their application within 180 days of finishing their program and obtaining their transcripts.

Exceptions to the PGWP eligibility requirements.

• You will be unable to obtain a post-graduation work permit if:
• If you submitted your application from outside of Canada, you received a first-stage approval rather than a final decision, or your study visa expired more than 180 days before your submission.
• You have already been issued a PGWP.
• You enrolled to acquire French or English as a second language, or you pursued classes for self-improvement or general interest.
• The majority of your coursework was completed online, through e-learning, or written communication.
• You completed a study program at an international institution in Canada.
• You were involved in the Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program, the Organization of American States Fellowship Program, and the Government of Canada Awards Programme.
• You were awarded the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity Scholarship or received funding from Global Affairs Canada.

When to Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit

After completing your course of study and receiving your degree, diploma, transcript, or official letter from your institution, you have 180 days to apply for a PGWP.

Your study permit is typically valid for 90 days following the completion of your program; however, it may expire before the receipt of your final grades or degree/diploma or diploma. You are required to apply for a visitor record or a temporary residence visa in order to remain in Canada if your study permission expires prior to receiving your grades or degree, or to depart the country and pursue a PGWP.

The 90-day period following the expiration of your study permit will allow you to reapply as a student and register for a PGWP if you do not change your status to “visitor.” Until your student status is reinstated and your work permit is approved, you are unable to work in Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Validity

Your PGWP is only valid for the duration of your academic program. You may be eligible for a PGWP that is applicable for the same duration as your study program, which typically lasts between eight months and two years. You may be eligible for a three-year PGWP if your program lasted for more than two years.

Additionally, if you were an international student in Canada and completed two or more study programs, the duration of your PGWP will be determined by the total duration of your study programs, provided that each program met the qualifying conditions and lasted at least eight months.

Cost of Postgraduate Work Permit

The application fee for a PGWP is typically CAD 255. Nevertheless, if your student status in Canada expires before you apply for the PGWP, you will be required to pay an additional $350 to re-establish it.

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