Frequently asked questions

Apply at least 30–60 days before your current permit expires. Applying before expiry automatically triggers implied status (maintained status), meaning you can legally continue living and studying in Canada while IRCC processes your extension — even if that takes several months. Do not wait until your permit is close to expiring or has already expired. The earlier you apply, the more secure your status.

Implied status (also called maintained status) means that if you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you are automatically allowed to remain in Canada and continue your studies under the same conditions as your previous permit — while IRCC processes the extension application. This protection only applies if you apply before expiry. Once your permit expires without an active application in, implied status does not apply and you lose legal status.

A study permit extension generally requires: a valid passport, your current study permit, a Letter of Acceptance or enrolment confirmation from your school, proof of financial support showing you can cover remaining tuition and living costs, and the completed IMM 1249 application form. Depending on your situation, additional documents may be needed. We provide a personalised checklist for every client based on their specific case.

Generally yes — if your previous study permit included work authorisation and you applied to extend before it expired, you can continue working under implied status on the same conditions as your previous permit. This includes the 24 hours per week off-campus work limit during studies. Rules can be nuanced, so email us before starting any new employment if you're unsure.

Processing times for study permit extensions vary and change regularly. Extensions applied for online typically take 4–16 weeks, though this can be longer at peak periods. Always check current processing times on canada.ca before planning around a specific date. Because implied status protects you while you wait (if you applied on time), the exact processing time is less critical — but applying early gives you maximum buffer.

You're generally eligible if: you graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada; your program was at least 8 months long and was completed primarily in person (not fully online); you held a valid study permit throughout your studies; and you apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks. You are not eligible if you completed your program entirely through distance learning, or if your program was less than 8 months long.

It depends on your program length. Programs 8 months to under 2 years get a PGWP equal to the program length. Programs 2 years or longer get the maximum — 3 years. You can only ever receive one PGWP in your lifetime, so if you're choosing between programs, this is an important factor.

Technically yes, but we strongly advise applying as soon as possible after receiving your final marks. The 180-day deadline is absolute — there are no extensions or exceptions. If anything delays your application (document issues, processing problems), you'll want maximum buffer time. Apply early and the processing runs in the background while you get on with life.

In most cases yes — if you apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires and you previously had work authorisation, you can generally continue working full-time while IRCC processes your PGWP under maintained status rules. This is a nuanced area and the conditions matter. Email us before your study permit expires to make sure there's no gap in your work authorisation.

Unfortunately very little — the 180-day deadline is firm and there are no extensions. If you've recently missed it, email us and we'll assess whether any alternative temporary residence options exist for your specific situation. The best advice is always to apply well within the deadline. If you're approaching it, contact us immediately.

Possibly not — but act immediately. If your permit expired within the last 90 days and you're still in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of status. Outside that 90-day window, your options become very limited. Email us as soon as possible — the sooner we assess your case, the more options remain available to you.

Restoration of status is an application that, if approved, restores your legal temporary resident status in Canada after it has lapsed — in this case, after your study permit has expired. It must be applied for within 90 days of the permit expiring, while you are still physically in Canada. Restoration is not guaranteed and requires a complete, well-prepared application. During the restoration period, you cannot work or study until the application is approved.

No. Unlike implied status (which applies when you apply to extend before expiry), restoration of status does not automatically allow you to continue your studies or work while the application is pending. You must wait for IRCC to approve the restoration before resuming study or work. This is one of the key reasons it's so important to apply to extend your permit before it expires rather than letting it lapse.

The most common reasons for extension refusals are: insufficient proof of funds (not showing you can cover remaining tuition and living costs); weak evidence of continued enrolment (e.g., outdated enrolment letter); not meeting academic progress requirements; and a change in your personal circumstances that raises questions about your status as a genuine student. The refusal letter will indicate the reason, but GCMS notes (internal officer notes) give far more detail.

Yes, but not with the same application. IRCC records every decision on your file, and reapplying without genuinely addressing the refusal reason almost always leads to another refusal. The right step is to first obtain your GCMS notes to understand exactly what the officer recorded, then build a new application that directly addresses those concerns. Email us if you've received a refusal — we'll assess the situation honestly.

GCMS notes are the officer's internal case notes — they reveal the specific concerns and reasoning behind a refusal, far beyond what the standard refusal letter says. You request them through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request via the Government of Canada. Processing typically takes several weeks. We can assist with this request and help you interpret the notes once received.

An RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) is licensed and regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Only RCICs and lawyers are legally authorised to give paid immigration advice and represent clients before IRCC. Using an unlicensed consultant puts your application at serious risk and means you have no legal recourse if things go wrong. You can verify Paul Kelly's registration at college-ic.ca.

You can apply yourself — IRCC doesn't require a consultant. Many people with straightforward situations do apply successfully without help. A consultant adds most value when: your situation is complex; you've had a previous refusal; you're uncertain about your eligibility; or you want someone to review your documents and catch errors before submission. Email us your situation and we'll tell you honestly whether you need help.

Both are run by Paul Kelly, RCIC. The Study Permit Expert focuses exclusively on temporary residence for international students — study permit extensions, PGWPs, and status restoration. Twelve Mile Immigration Consulting covers a broader range of Canadian immigration services including Express Entry, family class sponsorship, OINP, and visitor visas. If your needs go beyond study permits, visit twelvemileimmigration.com.