How to Extend Work Permit In Canada?

If your Canadian work permit is approaching its expiry date, it is important to plan your next step before your authorization ends. Depending on your situation, you may be able to extend your existing work permit and continue working in Canada without leaving the country.

The application process can vary based on your type of work permit, employer, job, and current immigration status. Applying before your permit expires is especially important because it may allow you to benefit from maintained status while IRCC processes your application.

When Should You Apply to Extend Your Work Permit?

IRCC recommends applying to extend or change the conditions of your work permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Applying early gives you time to prepare the required documents and reduces the risk of problems caused by an incomplete or late application.

It is also important to check your passport validity. Your work permit generally cannot be issued beyond the validity of your passport, so renewing your passport may be necessary before applying in some situations.

Do not wait until the last few days to start preparing your application. Your eligibility and the documents required can depend on the type of work permit you hold and the reason you are extending it.

Who Can Extend a Work Permit in Canada?

The eligibility requirements depend on the type of work permit and your circumstances.

For example, if you hold an employer-specific work permit, you may need to continue meeting the requirements associated with your employer and job. If you have an open work permit, you may be eligible to extend it if you continue to qualify for an open work permit category.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your situation, such as an LMIA, an offer of employment number, or other supporting evidence.

If your circumstances have changed since your current permit was issued, it is important to determine whether you need an extension, a change in conditions, or a different type of work permit.

Also Read: Top Tips to Hire a Canada Immigration Consultant

What Documents Do You Need to Extend a Work Permit?

The documents required can vary depending on your work permit category and personal circumstances. Common documents may include:

• A copy of your current work permit
• A valid passport or travel document
• The appropriate IRCC application form
• Employment or job offer documents, where applicable
• LMIA or other supporting documents, if required
• Proof of employment or other supporting evidence
• Any additional documents requested by IRCC
• Proof of payment of the applicable government fees

You should check the document checklist generated for your specific application before submitting it. Missing information or documents can lead to processing delays or other problems.

How Do You Apply to Extend a Work Permit in Canada?

In most cases, work permit extensions are submitted online through IRCC. The general process involves the following steps:

Check Your Eligibility

First, determine whether you are eligible to extend your current work permit. Your eligibility can depend on your current permit, employer, job, immigration status and other factors.

Gather Your Documents

Prepare your passport, current work permit and all supporting documents required for your specific application. If your work permit is employer-specific, you may need documents from your employer or information connected to an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment.

Complete the Application

Create or sign in to your IRCC secure account and complete the appropriate application. Review every section carefully before submitting it.

Pay the Required Fees

You must pay the applicable government fees for your application. IRCC currently lists the work permit processing fee as CAD $155, although additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances. Always confirm the current fee requirements before submitting your application.

Submit the Application Before Your Permit Expires

If you want to benefit from maintained status, IRCC must receive your application before your current work permit expires.

Monitor Your Application

After submission, monitor your IRCC account for messages, requests for additional documents and updates about your application.

Can You Keep Working After Your Work Permit Expires?

In many cases, yes. If you applied to extend or change your work permit before it expired, you may have maintained status. This means you can legally remain in Canada while IRCC processes your application.  If you are eligible, you can generally continue working under the same conditions as your original work permit while waiting for a decision. For an employer-specific work permit, this normally means continuing with the same employer, job and work location.

If you applied online, IRCC may provide a WP-EXT letter as proof that you are authorized to continue working under the applicable conditions.

There are important exceptions, so you should not assume that every application provides the same work authorization.

Also Read: Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – The Comprehensive Guide

What Happens If Your Work Permit Expires While Your Application Is Being Processed?

If you submitted your extension application before your work permit expired, you can generally stay in Canada while IRCC processes the application.

For an extension, you may also continue working under the conditions of your previous permit if you remain eligible for maintained status. You must continue following the conditions of your original work permit while waiting for the decision.

For example, if you had an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot simply start working for a different employer because your application is being processed.

Open work permit holders generally have more flexibility to change employers, subject to the conditions of their permit.

What If Your Work Permit Has Already Expired?

If your work permit expired before you applied to extend it, the situation is different.

You generally must stop working and may need to apply to restore your temporary resident status and obtain a new work permit. In most cases, restoration must be requested within 90 days of losing status, provided you meet the applicable requirements.

A restoration application does not automatically give you authorization to work while you wait. IRCC states that you normally cannot work until your status has been restored and your new work permit has been issued.

If more than 90 days have passed since you lost your status, different rules may apply and you may need to leave Canada and apply again from outside the country. There are limited exceptions, so getting case-specific advice can be important.

Can You Change Your Employer When Extending Your Work Permit?

This depends on the type of work permit you have. If you hold an employer-specific work permit, you are normally authorized to work only under the conditions stated on your permit. If you want to change employers or make certain substantial changes to your employment, you may need a new work permit or authorization from IRCC.

If you apply to change employers before your current permit expires, you may maintain your status while the application is processed, but you generally cannot start working for the new employer until you receive the required authorization unless IRCC gives you permission to do so earlier.

Open work permit holders generally have the ability to change employers because their permits are not tied to one specific employer, subject to any conditions listed on the permit.

How Long Does a Work Permit Extension Take?

Processing times can change depending on application type, volume, completeness and other factors. There is no reliable fixed number of days that applies to every work permit extension.

Before submitting your application, check the current processing time published by IRCC and make sure you allow enough time to prepare your documents.

Applying at least 30 days before your permit expires is recommended by IRCC.

What Happens After Your Work Permit Extension Is Approved?

If IRCC approves your application, you will receive your new or extended work permit with the applicable conditions. If you applied online, IRCC may notify you in your online account when your application is approved. You may be able to start working based on that approval notification without waiting for the physical permit to arrive by mail. Once you receive the new permit, carefully check the expiry date and all conditions to make sure the information is correct.

Can an Immigration Consultant Help With a Work Permit Extension?

Yes. A work permit extension can involve more than completing a form. Your eligibility, permit conditions, employment situation and supporting documents all need to be considered before the application is submitted.  At Sambhav Immigration, our team can review your situation, explain your available options and help you prepare your work permit application. Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC, personally handles client consultations and provides guidance based on the individual’s immigration circumstances.  A consultation can be particularly helpful if your work permit is close to expiring, your employer or job has changed, your permit has already expired, or you are considering another immigration pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my work permit from inside Canada?

In many situations, yes. If you are eligible to apply from inside Canada, you can generally submit your extension application online through IRCC. The requirements depend on your current status and work permit category.

Can I keep working after my work permit expires?

You may be able to continue working if you applied to extend your work permit before it expired and you have maintained status. You must generally continue working under the conditions of your original permit while IRCC processes the application.

What happens if I apply after my work permit expires?

If your permit expired before you applied, you generally must stop working and may need to apply to restore your status and obtain a new work permit. Restoration applications are generally subject to a 90-day deadline, with some exceptions.

How early should I apply to extend my work permit?

IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current work permit expires. Applying earlier can give you more time to gather documents and address issues with your application.

Can I change employers while my work permit extension is being processed?

It depends on your work permit. An employer-specific permit generally restricts you to the employer and conditions listed on the permit. An open work permit usually provides greater flexibility. If you are changing employers, check whether you need a new authorization before starting the new job.

How much does it cost to extend a work permit in Canada?

IRCC currently lists the standard work permit processing fee at CAD $155. Additional fees may apply depending on your situation, so you should verify the current government fees before submitting your application.

Need Help Extending Your Work Permit in Canada?

A work permit expiry date should not be treated as a last-minute deadline. Applying early can help you avoid unnecessary complications and, when eligible, maintain your ability to stay and work in Canada while your application is processed.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, your work permit conditions or what to do before your permit expires, Sambhav Immigration can review your situation and explain your options.

Book a consultation with Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC, at Sambhav Immigration. Consultations are CAD $80, typically 15 to 30 minutes, and the fee is credited in full if you retain Sambhav Immigration within 7 days. Walk-ins are also welcome at the Mississauga office.

Call: +1 (905) 795-1000

Office: 218 Export Blvd, Unit 414, Mississauga, ON L5S 0A7