Immigration updates
As of Jan 22, 2024, study permit applications outside Canada require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province of British Columbia. Some students are exempt from the PAL.
Find out how to get a PAL, if you need one, and Letter of Admission for your study permit application.
Plan ahead if your documents expire soon and you have travel plans. You will need to get a PAL if you apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
As of Jan 1, 2024, the minimum cost-of-living financial requirement has increased from $10,000 to $20,635 for 2024. The cost-of-living amount will be adjusted each year based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off.
As of Nov 8, 2024, you must be enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your study permit. If you change institutions, you must apply for a study permit extension for your new institution and most students need to receive the new study permit before beginning studies at your new institution. If you are coming to UBC from a Canadian high school or from another post-secondary institution, be sure to apply for a study permit extension with your UBC letter of acceptance as soon as you receive it. If you previously applied for your study permit with a UBC letter of acceptance then you change programs at UBC, you do not need to update your study permit. On Dec 11, 2024, IRCC announced a temporary policy allowing students to begin studies in Winter Term 2 (Jan-Apr, 2025) while your study permit extension is being processed if you meet the requirements.
Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.
Overview of the process
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Before applying | Learn about study permit extensions. |
| When to apply | It’s recommended that you apply up to 6 months before your study permit expires, ideally at least 3 to 4 months before your current study permit expires. |
| Cost | $150.00 CAD and $85.00 CAD for biometrics, if applicable |
| Estimated processing time | Check weekly updates on processing times. |
| How to apply | You must apply from within Canada. Do not apply through the “IRCC Portal”. Study permit extensions must be submitted through the “IRCC Secure Account”. It’s recommended to apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. |
| Form name | Download the Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM5709] form. Note: To avoid delays with your application, always download the most current form from the IRCC website. |
First, create your document checklist
The steps outlined below are applicable for online applications only.
- If you’re applying online, create a MyCIC account on the IRCC website.
- Complete the questionnaire to generate a checklist of application forms and required documents.
- After completing the questionnaire, you will be guided to a screen titled “Your document checklist.“
Check the Canvas study permit extension application review course for tips on how to answer the questionnaire and generate your document checklist.
Gather your required documents
You’ll need to prepare your transcript, Letter of Enrolment, a copy of your passport, and more.
Complete the application form
Your application form is an important part of your application. Missing or incorrect information can negatively impact the outcome of your application. Follow five steps to a comprehensive application.
Get your study permit
If your application is approved, IRCC will mail the new study permit to your mailing address. Save a digital copy immediately in a safe and accessible location.
After you receive your permit
Keep your immigration and health insurance documents up-to-date by completing the following important steps:
- Add the expiry date of your new study permit in the UBC Reminder System.
- Extend your Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Extend your Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you have one. You need to meet eligibility criteria and have a valid SIN to work in Canada.
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada (if your country of citizenship requires one).
If your contact information changes after submitting your application, be sure to update it via IRCC’s webform.
If you need help
Before submitting your application
Sign up for the new Canvas application review course to go over required documents, learn how to fill out the form, avoid common mistakes, and be ready to submit your application.
If you have questions
You can connect with International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
The information on this page may change
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.