New Study Permit Rules, PAL Required & Higher Funds Needed
Starting from January 22, 2024, to apply for a new study permit, you’ll need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from British Columbia. However, certain students like Master’s and PhD students, visiting/exchange students, and work permit holders don’t require PAL at all. If you’ve got an offer from UBC and aren’t exempt from PAL, you must hold off on applying for a study permit in Canada until the attestation letter process is clear to avoid problems. Remember that the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement has gone up from $10,000 to $20,635 for 2024. For new study permit applications, you’ll need to demonstrate funds for the cost of living, first-year tuition fees, and travel costs.
You can apply for a study permit from inside Canada under certain conditions
- Your spouse’s common-law partner has a valid study or work permit
- You are a family member of a Ukrainian national
- You are a visiting student
- You’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
- You or your spouse or dependent child is subject to an unenforceable removal order.
- You’re being sponsored to immigrate, and you have already applied for permanent residence.
Study Permit Extension in Canada
If you want to study in Canada for a longer time, it’s important to extend your study permit. We recommend you apply for the Study Permit Extension in Surrey, BC, at least one month before your current permit expires. It’s even better to apply earlier for better results. Remember that you need a valid study permit to renew your Social Insurance Number.
How to Extend Study Permits in Canada?
To extend a Canadian Study Permit, international students should apply online through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It’s recommended to submit your application online unless there are specific instructions otherwise. The Canadian government prefers electronic applications for temporary resident status made within the country. In addition, you also have to ensure that your passport is valid. If you apply before your study permit expires, you can keep studying under the same conditions until a decision is made, as long as you’re still studying in Canada. Additionally, if you want to keep studying in Canada and your study permit has expired, you need to:
- Apply for a new study permit.
- Reinstate your status as a temporary resident in Canada.
After your permit expires, you can remain in the country but must restore your status and obtain a new study permit to continue your studies.
Documents Required for Study Permit Extension
- Your certificate of enrollment to your current program of study
- A valid passport
- Recent digital photo of you
- Letter of acceptance for the new program of study you are enrolled in.
- Submit proof of financial support.
Visa Harbour Immigration Ltd.’s experienced consultants excel in immigration law and have a strong track record in handling appeals cases. We understand that extending your study permit can be complicated, and missing steps or documents might cause trouble. With their extensive experience in this field, we can help you complete the Study Permit Extension in Canada with ease.
