If your Canadian study permit expires, you immediately lose your temporary resident status. You have a strict grace period of exactly 90 days to either leave Canada or apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to restore your status. The basic restoration fee is $229 CAD, plus the $150 CAD study permit fee, and you cannot study or work while waiting.
Studying in Canada is a life-changing opportunity, but managing your immigration documents is a serious responsibility. Whether you are attending a major university in Toronto, a technical college in Vancouver, or a language school in Montreal, keeping track of your study permit’s expiry date is critical. Sometimes, due to immense academic stress or a simple oversight, international students forget to extend their permits before they expire. When this happens, panic often sets in as students worry about immediate deportation.
Fortunately, Canadian immigration law provides a safety net. 📅 Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), you are granted a 90-day grace period from the exact date your permit expires. However, this period is not a “free pass” to continue your normal life. You are officially out of status. Understanding how to legally navigate this 90-day window is essential, and many students choose to contact a local Canadian immigration law firm to ensure they do not make a mistake that could jeopardize their future Permanent Residence (PR) goals.
Step-by-Step Process for Handling an Expired Study Permit in Canada
Immigration is a federal matter, meaning the rules for restoring your status are identical across all provinces and territories. You will deal directly with IRCC, mostly through their online portal. Here is how you should handle an expired study permit safely.
Step 1: Identify the Exact Expiry Date
Your 90-day clock begins ticking the day after your study permit expires, or the day IRCC officially refuses your extension application. 🕑 You must locate your physical study permit and confirm the date printed at the top. If 91 days have passed, you are no longer eligible for restoration and generally must leave Canada immediately.
Step 2: Stop All Work and Studies Immediately
This is the most critical step. The moment your permit expires, it is illegal for you to attend classes, submit assignments, or work at any job (on-campus or off-campus). Continuing to work or study without valid status is a severe violation that can lead to an exclusion order from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). You must inform your school and your employer immediately.
Step 3: Choose Your Legal Path
You have two choices during these 90 days. 🔘 You can either pack your belongings and leave Canada, or you can apply for a “Restoration of Status.” If you choose to restore, you must also apply for a new study permit simultaneously. You cannot simply restore your status without attaching an application for a specific permit (study, work, or visitor).
Step 4: Gather the Required Documents
To successfully restore your status, you must prove that you still meet the initial requirements for a study permit. You will need a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or a proof of enrolment letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You must also provide updated proof of financial support, showing you can cover your tuition and living expenses in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Step 5: Write a Letter of Explanation
IRCC officers need to know why you let your permit expire. 📝 You must write a highly detailed, honest Letter of Explanation. Explain the exact circumstances that led to the expiration. Whether it was a medical emergency, a misunderstanding of the rules, or a technical glitch, be truthful. A Canadian immigration lawyer can be exceptionally helpful in drafting this letter to ensure it meets legal standards.
Step 6: Submit and Wait in Canada
Once you pay the government fees and submit your application online, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your request. However, you still cannot study or work until the new physical permit arrives in the mail. If your application is refused, you must leave the country.
Valid Status vs. Grace Period (Out of Status)
| Activity | Valid Study Permit | During the 90-Day Grace Period |
|---|---|---|
| Attending Classes | Legally permitted. | Strictly prohibited. |
| Working Off-Campus | Up to allowed limits (e.g., 20 or 24 hours). | Strictly prohibited. |
| Staying in Canada | Allowed until expiry. | Allowed only while preparing to leave or applying for restoration. |
How Much Does It Cost in Canada?
Fixing an expired study permit is significantly more expensive than applying for a standard extension on time. Ensure you have the funds available before starting the process.
- IRCC Restoration Fee: You must pay a penalty fee of $229 CAD to restore your status.
- Study Permit Application Fee: You must also pay the standard $150 CAD fee for the new study permit itself.
- Biometrics Fee: If your biometrics have expired (they are valid for 10 years), you will need to pay $85 CAD to submit new fingerprints and a photo.
- Immigration Lawyer Fees: If you hire a professional to manage your restoration case, average legal fees range from $1,500 to $3,500 CAD depending on the complexity of your situation.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Patience is required when dealing with restoration applications, as they take longer than standard permit renewals. 🕑
- Your Deadline: You have exactly 90 calendar days from the expiry date to submit your application. Do not wait until day 89.
- IRCC Processing Time: As of May 2026, restoration applications typically take between 3 to 6 months to be processed by IRCC officers.
- Document Gathering: Obtaining a new proof of enrolment and updated bank statements usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Mailing the Permit: Once approved, it takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks for the physical document to arrive at your Canadian address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if the 90 days have already passed?
If more than 90 days have passed since your permit expired, you are no longer eligible for restoration from within Canada. You must leave the country immediately. You can apply for a new study permit from outside Canada, but your history of overstaying will be heavily scrutinized.
Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for my restoration?
It is highly recommended that you do not leave Canada. If you exit the country, your restoration application is essentially cancelled. When you try to return, CBSA officers will see that you have no valid permit, and you will likely be denied entry.
Does applying for restoration give me ‘Maintained Status’?
No. Maintained Status (formerly called Implied Status) only applies if you submit an extension application BEFORE your current permit expires. Because you applied after expiry, you are officially out of status and cannot benefit from Maintained Status privileges like continuing to work.
Can I restore my status as a visitor instead of a student?
Yes. If you have finished your studies or no longer wish to attend school, you can apply to restore your status and simultaneously apply for a Visitor Record instead of a Study Permit. This allows you to stay in Canada as a tourist, but you still cannot work or study.
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