📌 What’s the Difference?
Study Permit
A paper document that allows you to live and study legally in Canada. It is not a visa and cannot be used to enter the country.
Student Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)
A sticker attached to your passport that lets you enter Canada. It does not prove your legal status once inside Canada.
⚠️ If you're staying in Canada without leaving, only a valid Study Permit is required. But if you plan to leave and return, a valid Student Visa (TRV) is necessary.
đź“… When Should You Start?
| Document | Recommended Prep Time | Processing Time (2025 Estimate) |
|-----------------|------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Study Permit | At least 3 months early | 2–3 months |
| Student Visa/TRV| At least 2 months early | 1–2 months + mailing time |
⚠️ If both documents are expiring soon, renew your Study Permit first, then apply for a new Student Visa after receiving the physical copy.
đź“„ Required Documents for Both Applications
Enrolment Letter (Proof of Registration)
Request it via: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/services/enrolment-verification/
Ensure the letter includes your expected graduation date.
Bank Statements (Last 4 Months)
Must show at least $5,000 CAD. If not, include your parents’ financial support documents and proof of relationship.
Letter of Explanation
Include your study plan, source of funds, purpose of extension, and any previous visa refusal explanation (if applicable).
Official Transcript
Request through Mosaic → Student Center → Academics → “Transcript: Request Official”
Passport Scans (Main page + all visa stamps)
đź’° Application Fees
- Study Permit Extension: $150 CAD
- Student Visa (TRV) Extension: $100 CAD
- Restoration Fee (if expired): $200 CAD (in addition to extension fee)
đź“Ś Steps to Extend Your Study Permit
Step 1: Complete Eligibility Questionnaire
Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
Click: “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” → Fill out the eligibility form
Once eligible, proceed to the document checklist page.
Step 2: Fill IMM5709 Form
- Download IMM5709 from the IRCC website
- Open with Adobe Acrobat Reader (desktop version only)
- After completion, click “Validate” to generate the barcode page
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- IMM5709 (validated PDF)
- Passport (all pages with visas or stamps)
- Enrolment Letter
- Bank Statement
- Letter of Explanation
- Digital Photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)
Step 4: Review, Sign, and Pay
After uploading, complete the e-signature and payment ($150) to submit the application.
Step 5: Approval and Document Delivery
If approved, a new Study Permit will be mailed to you within 2–3 weeks.
đź“Ś Steps to Extend Your Student Visa (TRV)
⚠️ You must first receive your renewed Study Permit before applying for TRV.
Step 1: Complete Eligibility Questionnaire
Repeat the same steps as Study Permit application, but select Temporary Resident Visa on the eligibility result page.
Step 2: Fill IMM5257 and IMM5257B_1 (if needed)
- IMM5257 is mandatory. Click “Validate” to generate barcode.
- IMM5257B_1 (Schedule 1) is optional and only needed if you have criminal history or visa refusals.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- IMM5257 (validated PDF)
- New Study Permit (paper copy)
- Official Transcript
- Enrolment Letter or Offer Letter
- Passport (all pages)
- Bank Statement (last 4 months)
- Letter of Explanation
- Optional: IMM5257B_1 (if applicable)
- Digital Photo
Step 4: Review, Sign, and Pay
- Complete your application online
- Pay the $100 fee
Step 5: Mail Your Passport
After approval, you’ll receive a passport request letter. Print the letter and mail it with your passport to IRCC (Ottawa) via Canada Post.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Implied Status?
If you apply for an extension before your current Study Permit expires, you are legally allowed to stay and study in Canada while waiting for a decision.
My TRV (Student Visa) is expired, but I’m staying in Canada. Is that okay?
Yes, as long as your Study Permit is valid, you may stay in Canada. However, you cannot leave and re-enter Canada without a valid TRV.
What if my Study Permit is already expired?
You must apply for Restoration of Status within 90 days, pay a $200 fee, and provide a detailed explanation. Failure to restore on time may result in removal from Canada.
✅ Final Reminder: Don't leave this to the last minute! Preparing in advance and submitting complete documents will help ensure a smooth extension process. If unsure, contact McMaster’s International Student Services for one-on-one assistance.