We have moved to the 4th floor, Suite 4100.
HOLIDAY CLOSURE: Please note that International Student Services is closed for the Winter holidays from December 24, 2025 12pm to January 2, 2026, inclusively.
Contact ISS right away if either of the following situations applies to you:
- Your study permit is about to expire and you do not have a new CAQ– e.g. CAQ renewal is still in processing OR you have not yet submitted your CAQ application.
- You are outside of Canada, your study permit is about to expire, and you will not have your new study permit application approved before you return to Canada.
- You have withdrawn from McGill or taken a gap term - your study permit may now be invalid.
Reminders:
In order to study in Canada, you must have a valid study permit throughout your studies AND meet the conditions of your study permit
If your study permit will expire before you complete your program of studies, you must:
- Apply to extend it from inside Canada before it expires. If you apply to extend your study permit from inside Canada before it expires, you will have maintained status after it expires. If you don't do this:
- You will lose your status as a student in Canada.
- You will not be authorized to resume studying or working until you obtain a new study permit.
- If you apply for the study permit from outside of Canada, you will not benefit from maintained status after your study permit expires.
- Have a CAQ that is valid beyond the expiration date of your current study permit.
- A study permit is normally issued with an expiration date that matches your CAQ.
- Have a valid passport.
- Your new study permit cannot be issued past the expiration date of your passport.
- Ideally, your passport should be valid for the remainder of your studies.
- Apply to extend your study permit even if you have only one semester left. You must have a valid study permit for the entire duration of your program.
Case-by-Case Study Permit Renewal Guides:
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Renewing from within Canada
Renewing from within CanadaDiscover how to extend your study permit from inside Canada—follow our step-by-step guide to maintain status, submit documents, and avoid losing student authorization.
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Renewing from outside Canada
Renewing from outside CanadaLearn how to apply for a Canadian study permit from abroad, including required forms, instructions on how to fill them, and the required documents.
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Renewal at Airport/Border
Renewal at Airport/BorderUS Citizens and Green Card Holders ONLY!
Learn how U.S. citizens and green card holders can apply for or renew study permits, including online applications, flagpoling at land borders, and required documents.