Immigration

If you applied for the extension before your current permit expired and you remain in Canada, IRCC generally allows you to keep studying under the same conditions while the application is in process (maintained status).

IRCC rules can shorten how long your study permit remains valid after program completion. If you finish earlier, check IRCC rules and speak with ISVS before assuming you can remain in Canada until the printed expiry date.

UAlberta notes that part-time study or withdrawals during regular terms can affect Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, except in limited situations such as a final term. Speak with your faculty and ISVS before changing registration.

Read the refusal letter carefully, do not immediately reuse the same documents, and contact UAlberta/ISVS if you are an admitted student. You may need to understand the refusal reasons, deadlines, whether a deferral is possible, and whether reapplication or other options are appropriate.

No. A study permit authorizes study in Canada. A temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a travel document that helps you enter Canada. Some students need both a valid study permit and a valid entry document. Check IRCC rules for your passport country before leaving Canada and before re-entering.

Start planning early because family members may need their own visitor, study, or work documents, and you may need additional proof of funds, relationship documents, housing planning, school or childcare planning, and health-insurance planning. Some spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, but eligibility is limited by current IRCC rules and your program type, so check IRCC and speak with ISVS before making work or travel assumptions.

Start in your first year, not your last month. PGWP eligibility can be affected by full-time status, program completion, timing, previous PGWP use, leave periods, and application deadlines.

Extend your study permit first if you need more time to study in Canada. Your permit authorizes your studies; your temporary resident visa (TRV) is a travel document. A permit extension does not automatically renew your TRV. Once IRCC approves the extension, apply separately for a new TRV if you need one for travel.

1. 1Start early: follow IRCC's instruction to apply at least 30 days before expiry. Check passport validity.
2. 2Request a current enrolment letter; gather your passport, permit, financial evidence and documents from your personalized checklist.
3. 3Apply through the IRCC secure account, upload the enrolment letter in the acceptance-letter slot, pay and save the submission confirmation.
4. 4After approval, use IRCC's in-Canada visitor-visa process if needed. Proof of approval can be used before the paper permit arrives.

If you did not apply before expiry, you generally lose student status and must stop studying. Contact an international student advisor promptly about restoration and a new permit. A late application does not give you the same rights as a timely extension application.

1. 1Record the expiry date and contact International Student Services immediately.
2. 2Check restoration eligibility and the applicable deadline with an authorized advisor.
3. 3If eligible, apply for restoration and a new study permit with the required explanation, documents and fees.
4. 4Resume studying only after status is restored and you receive your new permit.

If you were working while waiting for your PGWP, stop working on the day IRCC notifies you of the refusal unless you have separate valid authorization. Save the refusal letter and seek immigration advice immediately. Your next step depends on the refusal reason, your status and whether you still meet the application deadlines.

1. 1Save the refusal decision, notification date and a complete copy of your original application.
2. 2Ask an authorized immigration professional to review your study history, completion date, language evidence and the officer's reasons.
3. 3Discuss reconsideration for an identifiable error, a corrected new application if still eligible, and any status-restoration or departure requirements.
4. 4If a court challenge may be appropriate, consult an immigration lawyer promptly; judicial-review deadlines are short.

You can ask IRCC to reconsider an identifiable error, but reopening a refused application is discretionary. Being eligible does not guarantee reconsideration or approval. Have an authorized immigration professional review the refusal, then send a focused request through the IRCC web form with evidence addressing the specific error.

1. 1Identify each refusal reason and explain exactly what was misunderstood or overlooked, referring to the rules applicable to your application.
2. 2Prepare a letter headed 'Request for reconsideration — PGWP' with your name, UCI, application number, refusal date and the decision you want reviewed.
3. 3Attach the refusal letter and relevant evidence, such as transcripts, an enrolment/completion letter, approved-leave evidence or proof a document was originally submitted.
4. 4Use the web form's application/document-update route, identify Temporary Residence and the work-permit application, and save the acknowledgement.

Alberta's PNP is called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Start with its Eligibility Explorer and the rules for your possible stream. For worker streams, you must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) and receive an invitation before submitting a nomination application.

1. 1Review AAIP streams and confirm you meet at least one stream's eligibility requirements.
2. 2Create or use your own Alberta.ca Account and enter the AAIP portal through the official application page.
3. 3Complete the WEOI accurately and pay the current fee: CAD 135 as checked on September 6, 2026.
4. 4Keep the profile updated. If invited, follow the invitation deadlines, document checklist and separate application-fee instructions.
5. 5If nominated, complete the appropriate federal permanent-residence application.

Possibly. PGWP holders need an eligible Alberta credential, qualifying full-time Alberta employment and job offer, a job related to their Alberta field of study, and the required language results. They generally need at least six months of qualifying full-time work in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.

1. 1Check that your credential and PGWP meet the stream's requirements.
2. 2Match your actual duties to the NOC occupation and check occupation exclusions.
3. 3Check your work history, job offer, language test and any licensing requirements against the current eligibility page.
4. 4If eligible, follow the WEOI and invitation process.