We are international master’s students in Canada, and our education is at risk due to IRCC’s excessively long study permit extension processing times, now exceeding 170 days, based on the IRCC website. This crisis, compounded by unclear policies on "maintained status," is preventing thousands of us from enrolling in our programs, despite being legally in Canada and fully compliant with immigration rules. 

Under Canadian immigration law, students who apply for a study permit extension in Canada are granted "maintained status," allowing them to continue studying while their application is processed. However, IRCC’s July 2025 website update fails to explicitly include master’s students in this provision, unlike high school and undergraduate students. As a result, universities are refusing to recognize our legal status, barring us from classes, funding, and academic progress.

This delay has disrupted my education, financial stability, and mental health, resulting in up to $20,000 in living costs, three-month rent penalties, travel expenses, and anxiety, making it relatable and urgent. I am not alone—thousands of master’s students across Canada face the same injustice. IRCC’s prolonged delays and policy gaps are creating a systemic barrier to our right to study.

As an activist, I'm launching this petition to amplify our voices and demand fair treatment for master's students.

We urgently demand that IRCC: 

1. Update the IRCC website to explicitly include master's students in maintained status provisions, ensuring universities recognize our right to study.

2. Reduce study permit extension processing times to ensure timely access to education.

3. Communicate clearly to universities and students about maintained status rights during processing delays. 

This isn't just my story-it's the story of thousands whose futures hang in the balance. Sign this petition to urge IRCC to act swiftly and restore our right to education in Canada. Share it to amplify our voices and demand change now! Sincerely, on behalf of thousands of affected master's students in Canada

If you're a master's student affected by IRCC processing delays (e.g., over 170 days), please share your experience anonymously. This data will help advocate for change. Estimated time: 3 minutes.

Survey: Impact of IRCC Study Permit Extension Delays on Master's Students in Canada：https://forms.gle/pyeYxXUaXfNkrRxZA