Visas and study permits

Applying for Your Study Permit

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires credential seeking students to hold a valid study permit during their study in Canada.

• First, apply for a study permit and prepare to arrive
• Some student from certain countries must also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
• Be sure you are aware of the Conditions of your Study Permit
• Note that eTA registration is required for students from entry visa-exempt countries (except for U.S. citizens) when entering Canada by air

Study Permit Extension

If you plan to study beyond your study permit’s expiry date, it is your responsibility to apply for an extension before it expires. Apply to extend your study permit 30-90 days before the expiry date. Do NOT let your study permit expire. We are temporarily accepting Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) letter requests if your study permit is expiring within the next 6 months due to IRCC's long processing times. To check IRCC's processing times please visit their website.

You can apply online to extend your study permit through your personal IRCC Online Account on IRCC's website. Make sure you have the required supporting documents before you sit down to complete the form. Give yourself enough time to complete and submit the application.

You will need a supporting letter from the International Office and an official transcript from your Douglas College myAccount. Request these documents at least two months in advance. 

International Student Advising Specialists (ISASs) are available at Douglas College International office if you need advice on your specific situation. You can meet ISASs during the drop-ins or by appointment.

Maintained status (previously called implied status)

Once you have applied to extend your study permit before its expiry date, you are still considered a temporary resident of Canada even after the expiry date of your study permit. This is called maintained status. With maintained status, you may continue to stay and study until you receive a response from IRCC as long as you remain in Canada and continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

Since your BC MSP will end on the expiry date of your current immigration document, you must take action to maintain health insurance coverage before your MSP expires. BC MSP announced that eligible students with maintained status may be eligible for temporary coverage for an initial six months. For more information on how to extend your BC MSP insurance, please click here.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Extension

After you have received your new study permit, some students, depending on your home country, can apply to extend your TRV. Like a study permit extension, you can also apply for a TRV extension through your online IRCC Online Account. A TRV is issued with the same expiry date as your study permit. 

If you plan to leave and come back to Canada after your current TRV expiry date, start your TRV extension process in advance. IRCC advises applicants to apply at least two months in advance of a planned departure from Canada.

Other Considerations

• If you are coming directly from a high school in Canada, pathway school in Canada or if you are transferring from a post-secondary school in Canada, you must inform IRCC of your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) change. As per the announcement from IRCC on November 15, 2024, students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing their schools, for more information click here. Douglas College’s DLI number is O19360973702.
• All Study Permit holders must actively pursue their courses or program of study while you are in Canada.