18. A permit is valid for a period of 3 years.
The Minister shall renew for 5 years, and subsequently for the same period, a permit held by a person who(1) applies therefor in writing to the Minister within the time limit prescribed by government regulation and furnishes, within that time limit, the information and documents prescribed by such regulation and, with regard to distance education, by regulation of the Minister;
(2) meets the conditions set out in subparagraph 2 and, where applicable, in subparagraph 5 of the first paragraph of section 12;
(3) has complied with the provisions of this Act and its regulations for the period of validity preceding the renewal.
However, the Minister may issue or renew a permit for a different period or without a date of expiry where he deems it expedient.