In Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not physically “transfer” a study permit from an old passport to a new one. Because study permits are typically only issued until your passport expires, getting a new passport usually means you must formally apply to extend your current study permit from inside Canada.
Understanding Passports and Your Legal Status in Canada
Studying in cities like Toronto, Montreal, or Calgary is an incredible journey, but keeping your immigration documents valid is your most important responsibility. 😞 Many international students encounter a stressful situation where their home country passport expires, gets lost, or becomes heavily damaged before they finish their Canadian degree. A common misconception is that you can simply walk into an IRCC office, hand them your new passport, and get a new sticker or permit printed on the spot.
Canadian immigration law does not work this way. Your study permit is a standalone legal document, but its validity is permanently tied to the passport you used when you applied. In fact, IRCC almost never issues a study permit that lasts longer than your passport’s expiry date. Therefore, when you receive a fresh passport, you generally must submit a formal application to update your temporary resident status.
Attempting to travel internationally with an expired passport and a valid study permit can lead to being denied boarding by airlines. 💼 It is highly recommended to renew your passport at least six months before it expires, and immediately consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer to ensure your Canadian paperwork is seamlessly updated.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are attending a university in British Columbia, Alberta, or Nova Scotia, the federal process for updating your documents remains the same. Here is how you maintain your legal status.
Step 1: Renew Your Passport at Your Embassy
Your very first step is to contact your home country’s embassy or consulate in Canada. You must apply for and receive your brand-new passport. Do not apply for any Canadian permit extensions until you have the physical new passport in your hands, as IRCC requires the new passport number and expiry date.
Step 2: Apply for a Study Permit Extension
Once you have the new passport, log into your IRCC secure portal. 💻 Because your original study permit was likely cut short by your old passport’s expiry date, you must apply to “Extend your study permit.” You will upload a copy of your new passport, your current enrolment letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and proof of financial support.
Step 3: Update Your TRV or eTA
This is a critical step many students miss! A study permit allows you to stay in Canada, but it does not allow you to re-enter if you leave. Your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is electronically linked to your old passport. Once you have your new extended study permit, you must apply for a brand-new TRV or eTA using your new passport details before travelling outside of Canada.
Step 4: Replacing a Lost or Stolen Permit
If your passport was stolen with your physical study permit folded inside it, the process is slightly different. 📝 You must first get a police report. Then, after obtaining a new passport from your embassy, you must submit an “Application for a Replacement of an Immigration Document” to IRCC to have them reprint the exact same permit you lost.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Updating your immigration documents carries specific federal processing fees. As of May 2026, you should prepare for the following costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD):
- Study Permit Extension: The mandatory IRCC application fee is $150 CAD.
- New Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): If you are from a visa-required country, replacing your TRV costs $100 CAD.
- New eTA: If you are from a visa-exempt country, a new eTA costs just $7 CAD.
- Document Replacement Fee: If you are only asking IRCC to reprint a lost, valid permit (without extending the date), the fee is $30 CAD.
Handling Passports vs. Permits
Understanding the difference between your documents is the key to safe travelling. 📍 Here is a quick guide on how these documents interact.
| Document Type | Primary Purpose | What Happens When You Get a New Passport? |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit | Grants you legal status to remain and study inside Canada. | Must be officially extended via IRCC if it was shortened by your old passport’s expiry. |
| TRV (Visa Counterfoil) | Allows you to board a flight and re-enter Canada at the border. | Becomes invalid. You must apply for a new TRV inside your new passport. |
| eTA | Electronic authorization to fly to Canada for visa-exempt nationals. | Automatically invalid. Must pay $7 CAD for a new eTA linked to the new passport. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
You must factor in wait times for both your home country and the Canadian government. 📅 Getting a new passport from a consulate in Canada can take anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks. Once you submit your study permit extension to IRCC, inland processing typically takes 60 to 90 days. Applying for a new TRV from inside Canada adds another 3 to 5 weeks. Therefore, you should avoid planning international travel during this transition period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel with my old passport and my new passport together?
Generally, no. For Canadian TRVs, IRCC prefers you to have a valid visa physically stamped in your current, valid passport. While some countries allow you to travel with a valid visa in an expired clipped passport, Canada highly encourages applying for a new TRV to prevent boarding denials from airlines.
What happens if my study permit expires while I wait for IRCC?
As long as you submitted your study permit extension application before your current permit expired, you benefit from “Maintained Status.” This legally allows you to continue studying and working in Canada under your original conditions until IRCC makes a decision.
Do I need to give biometrics again?
Usually, no. Canadian biometrics (fingerprints and photos) are valid for 10 years. If you gave them when you originally applied for your first student visa, you do not need to pay the $85 CAD fee or provide them again for your extension.
Will my Social Insurance Number (SIN) change?
Your 9-digit SIN number will remain the same, but it is tied to the expiry date of your study permit. Once you receive your new extended study permit, you must visit a Service Canada centre to update the expiry date on your SIN file.
Can my university update IRCC for me?
No. Maintaining your immigration status is solely your personal responsibility. While your university’s international student advisors can guide you, they cannot log into the IRCC portal or submit applications on your behalf.
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