If repaying an immigration loan on schedule would cause financial hardship based on the person's income, assets, and debts, an officer can defer, reduce, or spread out the payments. However, the repayment period cannot be extended by more than 36 months.
(1)If repaying a loan, in accordance with the requirements of section 291, that was made to a person under section 289 would, by reason of the person’s income, assets and liabilities, cause the person financial hardship, an officer may, to the extent necessary to relieve that hardship but subject to subsection (2), defer the commencement of the repayment of the loan, defer payments on the loan, vary the amount of the payments or extend the repayment period.
(2)A repayment period shall not be extended beyond (a)an additional 24 months, in the case of a loan referred to in paragraph 289(b); and (b)an additional six months, in the case of any other loan.