When graduating from a Canadian high school and moving to a post-secondary institution, you must apply for a new Study Permit (not just a DLI transfer) and secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before your current permit expires. The standard IRCC processing fee is $150 CAD.
Graduating from a Canadian high school is a monumental achievement, especially for international students who have travelled far from home to complete their secondary education. However, celebrating your acceptance into a Canadian university or college comes with an important legal obligation. Your current high school study permit does not automatically cover your new post-secondary journey. 📍
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all international students transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education to formally update their immigration status. Failing to manage this transition properly can result in losing your legal status, working illegally, and potentially facing deportation.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are moving from a high school in Toronto to a university in Vancouver, or staying locally in Calgary, the process is governed federally by IRCC. It is crucial to begin this process the moment you accept your university offer.
Step 1: Secure Your Letter of Acceptance
Before you can alter your immigration status, you need an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a post-secondary institution. This institution must be an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You can verify if your new college or university holds a valid DLI number by checking the official federal government registry.
Step 2: Check Your Current Permit Expiry Date
Look at your physical high school study permit. Often, these permits expire roughly 90 days after you complete your high school studies, or on the specific date printed on the document-whichever comes first. You must apply for your post-secondary extension before this expiration date hits to benefit from “maintained status”.
Step 3: Apply for a New Study Permit (Not a DLI Transfer)
As of November 8, 2024, IRCC has eliminated the simplified online DLI transfer procedure. When you transition from high school to a university or college, you can no longer simply change your DLI number in your online portal. Instead, you are legally required to submit an application for an entirely new Study Permit to reflect your new institution and post-secondary status, even if your high school permit has plenty of validity remaining. 💻
Step 4: Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Apply
Under federal rules effective January 1, 2025, international high school graduates transitioning to post-secondary studies must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from their new college or university. Once you have both your PAL and your Letter of Acceptance, submit your Study Permit extension application online. You will also need to upload proof of financial support covering your first year of tuition plus at least $22,895 CAD (the updated post-2025 cost of living minimum outside Quebec) to cover your living expenses.
Step 5: Navigate “Maintained Status”
If you submit your extension application before your high school permit expires, you enter what is legally called “maintained status” (formerly known as implied status). This allows you to remain in Canada legally under the same conditions as your old permit while IRCC processes your new one.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Budgeting for your visa transition is an important part of your first-year university financial planning. The fees are paid directly to the Receiver General for Canada via the IRCC portal.
- Study Permit Extension Fee: The mandatory federal processing fee is $150 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee: If your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) have expired-they are valid for 10 years-you will need to pay an $85 CAD fee to have them redone at a local Service Canada centre.
- Restoration of Status: If you accidentally let your high school permit expire before applying, you must pay a $246.25 CAD restoration fee in addition to the $150 CAD study permit fee.
- Lawyer / Consultant Fees: Many students prefer to hire a Canadian law firm to ensure no mistakes are made. Legal fees for a standard study permit extension generally range from $500 to $1,500 CAD.
| Immigration Service | Standard Cost (CAD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Extension | $150.00 | Per application |
| Biometrics Update (If Expired) | $85.00 | Every 10 years |
| Restoration of Status (Penalty) | $246.25 | Only if permit expires |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times for an IRCC study permit extension submitted from within Canada can fluctuate based on the volume of applications. Typically, online applications take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to process.
Because the autumn semester usually begins in September, the summer months are heavily backlogged. Submitting your application in May or June, right after receiving your final high school transcript and LOA, is the best strategy to ensure you have your new physical permit in hand before classes start. ⏱
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work full-time between high school graduation and university?
Generally, no. Under IRCC rules, you cannot work off-campus until you have officially started your post-secondary programme. The summer break between high school and university does not qualify as a scheduled break for post-secondary work rights.
Do I have to leave Canada to apply for my new permit?
No. Assuming your current study permit is still valid, you can apply for an extension from entirely within Canada via your online IRCC account.
What happens if my high school permit expires while I am waiting for IRCC?
If you submitted your extension application before the expiry date, you benefit from maintained status. You are legally allowed to remain in Canada and begin your university studies while awaiting a decision.
Do I need a new medical exam?
You typically only need a new immigration medical exam if you have lived in a designated country for more than 6 months recently, or if your new university programme involves healthcare, childcare, or primary education.
Can I update my DLI at the airport border if I travel home for the summer?
Yes, if you travel outside of Canada, you can present your new university LOA to the border officer upon re-entry to apply for your new post-secondary study permit. Ensure you hold a valid eTA or TRV before travelling.
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