As per the Global Peace Index, Canada is among top 10 safest nations in the world and as per the statistics that measure quality of life, Canada ranks #1 for economic and political stability, income equality, high quality education system and universal public healthcare system.
Every year, Canada attracts an extraordinary number of overseas students to its world-class colleges and universities. Not only the study permit application rates have increased, but a larger number of students now choose to stay in Canada for further studies by extending their permits or to live and work permanently after graduation.
- Extending a Study Permit
Most of the foreign nationals who wish to study in Canada must have a valid study permit to pursue a long-term program. In case any international student will take longer time than expected in completing the study program, or transfer to a longer study program, then the person has to apply for study permit extension.
A study permit extension is mandatory if you want to continue your studies in Canada as an international student for longer time than your study permit’s validity period. In order to extend your permit, you have to submit an application to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to extend your stay as an overseas student.
You must submit this application online as most of the temporary residence applications from within Canada have to be submitted electronically, including, applications for temporary resident status extensions, study or work permit applications and study or work permit renewal applications.
2. Submitting before expiration
You must ensure that your study permit extension application is submitted before the expiry date of your current permit.
If you submit your application before this date, then the government of Canada will authorize you to stay in Canada as an overseas student through an implied status until a final decision is taken on your extension application. In case your study permit conditions have changed, then implied status will not be applicable on you and have to wait until you get a final decision on your application.
If for any reason you fail to apply for extension before the expiry date of your current permit, you may apply for a restoration of your status within 90 days of losing your status.
Please note, if you as an international student in Canada wishes to change your levels of study, transfer institution, or alter the conditions of your study permit, then it is always recommended to apply for a new study permit.
3. Staying in Canada after graduation
Most of the international students choose to stay in Canada after their graduation as the country offers them straightforward immigration process through Express Entry.
As a recent graduate, you qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) which allows you to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience for up to 3 years. Your door to permanent residence of Canada opens up easily once you get minimum 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada as you can qualify to apply under Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
