Extending your stay in Canada
Are you looking to continue your studies, work or immigrate to Canada after you graduate? Here are the steps you need to take.
Remember to also renew the immigration documents for your family (partner and children)
Before you begin the process
- Your immigration documents must be valid from the first to last day of any given session. You will find these dates on the Academic calendar and deadlines page.
- In your application for an extension, make sure your passport is valid for the period during which you are hoping to stay in Canada.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student for the fall and winter terms.
- Begin the process at least three months before the expiry date of your documents.
Has your study permit lapsed? Restore your status.
Step 1: Once you are officially registered, apply online to renew the CAQ.
Step 2: Get an extension of your study permit.
If you have earned enough credits to graduate:
Promptly apply for a post-graduation work permit. If you don’t do it quickly, you risk not being able to apply for it at the end of your studies.
Step 1: As soon as you get your proof of enrollment, apply to renew your CAQ online.
Step 2: Apply for an extension of your study permit.
Working in Canada:
Have you earned enough credits to graduate? If yes, then apply as soon as possible for a post-graduation work permit.
Step 1: Apply online to renew your CAQ.
Step 2: Apply for an extension of your study permit.
Are you a master’s student in the thesis stream? While submitting your CAQ application, also include a letter from your thesis director indicating the tentative date on which you will submit your thesis.
Is your new program of study different from the one for which you received your immigration documents? You do not have to renew this authorization.
Exceptions
If you’ve changed your level of studies
In your application, include transcripts from your former program and your new admission letter.
If your immigration documents are about to lapse
- Step 1: Renew your CAQ online. While submitting your application, also include transcripts from your former program and your new admission letter.
- Step 2: Apply for an extension of your study permit.
You usually renew your immigration documents if you have completed a program or if you would like to start a new one.
Step 1: Renew your CAQ online. While submitting your application, also include transcripts from your former program and your new admission letter.
Step 2: Apply for an extension of your study permit.
D.E.S.S. en comptabilité professionnelle – CPA
If you’ve earned your BBA and plan on studying for your D.E.S.S. en comptabilité professionnelle – CPA, it would be advisable to apply for a post-graduation work permit. Without one, you may have trouble completing your mandatory internships.
If you don’t have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):
Apply for a CAQ. While submitting your application, also include your admission letter. You can then apply for an extension of your study permit, if necessary.
If you already have your CAQ and a valid study permit:
- Apply for a change in your designated learning institution
- If you change your level of study, you will have to apply online to renew your CAQ.
If your immigration documents are going to expire while you are away, make sure you renew them before you leave.
Have them in hand when you leave Canada.
Step 1: Apply online to renew your CAQ.
Step 2: Apply for an extension of your study permit.
You must obtain a post-graduation work permit and other documents, if needed.
Want to work while studying? See the Working in Canada page.