Extending Work Permit Canada – A Complete Guide
Ensure that your passport will expire after the requested permit expiration date. If your work visa will expire or must change its condition, you must apply to extending work permit Canada, and it is recommended that a minimum of 30 days before your permit expires, you should apply to renew it. It cannot be renewed past the date your passport expires.
Can I keep working if my permit expires?
You are lawfully permitted to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your application if you apply to extend or modify the conditions of your permit before its expiration.Â
Who can apply for extending work permit Canada?
- They wish to renew their permit or need to adjust their conditions, such as the type of work they may do, the employer they can work for, and where they can work, Conditions imposed because they required a medical exam are included here. For instance, because they still needed to finish a medical exam, they were issued an Open Work Permit (OWP) with limits on working in the healthcare industry. Once they have a medical checkup, the condition of where they can work can be removed. Â
- Changing their gender on their permit is necessary if they identify as a different gender from the one shown on their permit or if IRCC made a mistake on them. Â
How to extend work permit Canada?
You must apply work permit extension or modify the conditions of it if:
- Your job is now extended,
- There are adjustments to your existing position, such as a change in compensation, additional responsibilities,
- An offer of a different position, or
- A desire to work for another job.
You must receive your permit with the updated restrictions before you can begin working in a new position or for a new company.
How to apply to renew permit or change an OWP?
If you are still qualified to work in Canada with an OWP, you can apply for extending work permit Canada.
How to apply to renew or changing the conditions of permit?
You often must submit an online application for a work permit extension or change its conditions.          Â
Step 1: Ensure that you have everything you need.
You will need a credit or debit card to apply online and a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your supporting documents.
Step 2: Read the IRCC instruction guide.
Even if you submit your application online, you should read the instructions before proceeding. Each field on the form will be described in the instructions.Â
Step 3: Prepare your responses for the online tool
There are a few questions you must respond to before you can upload your forms. Your responses help IRCC design a unique document checklist just for you.
Step 4: Learn the fees you must pay.
Processing fees for you and anyone you list on your application are often included in your fees. You will be prompted to pay the IRCC’s fees after your application. You must pay the permit fee ($155) and the open work permit holder charge ($100) if you’re applying for.
Step 5: Create an online account or sign in existing one
A user account is required to apply online. You can check your application status, pay your fees, and submit your application using your account. Before submitting, you can verify that your application is complete.
What happen after applying to renew permit?
If you applied online
The IRCC would give you a letter in your account that you can submit as evidence that you are still permitted to work if you are qualified. This letter is printable; you can present it with your valid permit. You can show your employer the IRCC website if they need verification that you can continue working. You can contact IRCC if your employer is unhappy with the information on the IRCC page.
The letter proves that you can continue working under the same restrictions as your initial permit while IRCC processes your application. If the terms are the same as those on your initial permit, you may continue to work after the letter’s expiration date until IRCC approves your application.Â
If you submit a paper application
Suppose you submitted a paper application to renew or extending work permit Canada. In that case, you won’t receive a letter from the IRCC proving your right to work if you submit a paper application. It is necessary so that IRCC can confirm that your application is accurate and that you are qualified to work. You could continue working under the same conditions as your present permit if you applied to renew or alter it before it expired.
You can provide your employer with evidence that you filled out your application. Acceptable proof includes a copy of your application for a permit, evidence that you paid the fees and a copy of the courier or postal service’s tracking data.Â
What to do if your permit expires?
If you ask for an extension or modification of your work visa before it expires, you can remain in Canada legally until a decision is made.Â
If you’re in Canada and your permit expires before you apply for a new one, or you violated the conditions of it, you should stop working. You can apply to have your status as an employee restored, though.
How to renew or change the conditions of permit?
For an Employer-Specific Work Permit:
If you have an employer-specific work permit and wish to change jobs or employers in Canada, you should apply for a new one and be eligible. You might not have to wait for the approval of your application before beginning a new employment or working for a new employer. While IRCC processes your application, you can ask permission to work.Â
For an OWP
Those with OWP can switch jobs whenever their permit is still valid.
Who are qualified to renew or change the conditions of permit?
Two prerequisites must be met:
- You put in a new employer-specific work permit application in Canada.
- Right now, you either have an employer-specific work permit or you are a worker exempt from needing one. The short-term employees under the Global Skills Strategy and business travellers exclude from these.
How to request authorization to work while your application is being processed
After requesting your new employer-specific work permit, take the following actions if you want to change jobs or employers:
Step 1: Complete the IRCC online form.
You must copy the text below corresponding to your circumstance when you fill out the “Your enquiry” part of the IRCC web form. Complete the fields marked by square brackets, including the dates, employer(s)’ names, and job titles.
Include your courier tracking number if you submitted your application on paper and need clarification on your application number. It will enable us to locate your application.
Step 2: As IRCC completes your application, wait for the IRCC email allowing your approval to work.
Wait for IRCC to email you after you submit the web form. In roughly 10 to 15 days, IRCC ought to answer. Getting the email will take longer if you submit a paper application. You will be informed through email if you are allowded to work while your application is being processed. This email is different from your permit. Online work permit applications are processed in 140 days. You must submit a new IRCC web form if you have more inquiries.
How to travel outside of Canada and then return there?
A work permit is not a visa. You are not granted the privilege to visit Canada as a result. You must have a valid passport, a visitor visa, or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in addition to your permit.Â
Even if you have a permit and an eTA, IRCC may refuse to let you back into the country. Before IRCC allows you to reenter, you must demonstrate to the border services officer (CBSA officers) that you meet all the conditions.
If you are from a country exempt from visa requirements, you also need a valid passport and an eTA (if you intend to fly to Canada). If you’re arriving by bus, car, boat (including a cruise ship) or train, you don’t require an eTA. Your permit was immediately provided by IRCC, along with an eTA.
If you come from a country where a visa is necessary to enter Canada, you will also need a work visa and permit. You don’t require a valid passport if you return directly after a little trip to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon. If your current visa has expired or was only suitable for one entrance into Canada (single entry), you must apply for a visitor’s visa (Worker Visa). If your visiting visa is already valid, you may enter Canada using it when it expires. You can enter on a visitor visa by ferry, bus, vehicle, or train.Â
Extending Work Permit Canada: FAQs
If your work permit is due to expire or must be modified, you must apply to extend it or alter its terms. At least 30 days before your actual work permit expires, you should apply for work permit extension Canada.Â
You should submit your application at least 30 days before your status expires if you want to prolong your stay in Canada. Depending on your circumstance, you might need to utilize a different application form. For instance, you would have to apply for extending work permit Canada if you received a new employment offer in Canada.
You can work as a temporary worker in Canada for an unlimited period. Your employer’s job offer will determine how long you can work. If your employer needs to obtain an LMIA to engage you, the duration specified on it.Â
You must apply for a work permit and get a new one if you already have one in Canada but want to change its terms (such as the length of your employment, employer, or occupation). Apply before modifying. Always submit your application for a permit at least 30 days before your actual status expires.  Â
Suppose your work permit expires within two weeks of the application date. You must submit your application with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Certificate Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ). Â
Within the first 90 days following its expiration, you can request to have your work permit reinstated. If you do this, you can remain in Canada until you receive further instructions, but you must stop working until your work permit has been restored. Â
There is no limit on the number of extensions, providing the individual continues to comply with the requirements (see section 3.7 of the NAFTA).Â
No. Post-graduation work permits (PGWP) are a one-time opportunity for international students.Â
You can apply for a work permit in Canada if you’re qualified. You must satisfy each requirement to apply at a port of entry (POE): be qualified for an electronic travel authorization or could travel without a visiting visa (check your eligibility).Â
Processing time is 96 days, and you must apply to change or extend the conditions of your work permit 30 days before your current work permit expires.Â
You do not have an immigration status once the period for your authorized stay in Canada has passed. If you were working because you had a visa that allowed you to do so, you must stop immediately. On the other side, nobody expects you are leaving the country. Â
You must stop working if your work permit expires. You can only continue your studies if you apply for a study permit once IRCC decides on it. Â
Foreign individuals whose post-graduation work permit has expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, can work in Canada for an extra 18 months by extending or filing for a new work permit.Â
If the applicant’s request for an extension is refused, they are still regarded to be in good standing until the day your application is decided. The date of refusal marks the start of the 90-day restoration period.
Suppose a foreign national’s job is covered by the Global Skills Strategy public policy for short-term work and 120-day work for researchers, in that case, you may work in Canada without a work permit. Â
Before your authorized stay expires, you must submit a request, Application to Extend/Change your Status, to IRCC. Â
You may apply for a work permit extension Canada if it is still valid.Â
IRCC requires a work permit renewal if you still meet eligibility, but your status is about to expire or has expired.Â
The duration of the work permits provided under free trade agreements is one year. Every permit renewal will also be for a year. If the applicant continues to be ineligible, there is no cap on the number of times a visa may be renewed.Â
You can continue working under the same restrictions as your present work permit if you apply to renew or alter it before it expires. Â
The forms that must be completed and filed are as follows:Â
Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada [IMM 5710]Â
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409], if applicable.
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476], if applicable.
 What documents need to extend work permit in Canada?Â
The forms that must be completed and filed are as follows:Â
- Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada [IMM 5710]
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409], if applicable.
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476], if applicable.
You can work in Canada at no predetermined maximum period as a temporary worker. Your employer’s job offer will determine how long you can work if your company needs to order one to engage you, the period specified on your labour market impact assessment. Â
Suppose your work permit expires within two weeks of the application date. You may submit your application without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Â
If you still have implied status when you apply, you do not need to wait for your new work permit to be approved.
You should apply to extend or modify the terms of your work permit 30 days before it expires because the processing duration is 96 days. Â
The number of times a person may extend their worker status is not regulated by law.Â
How Can We Help?
At Arnika Visa, you want to apply for extending work permit Canada. We can assist you from filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents; we take care of it all. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.
Hi, I applied to renew my open work visa, but it got refused, and it’s past the 90 days. Now, I am out of status. I applied for PR but didn’t know how long it would take. How can I stay in Canada, restore my status as a worker, and remain in Canada? Thanks
Given the complexity of your legal immigration questions, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for accurate and personalized advice. His expertise will provide you with the necessary guidance for your specific situation. You can choose your preferred time for the appointment on the link below:
https://arnikavisa.com/book-a-consult/
I have been refused an extension work permit because I forgot to state that our visa was previously denied. My last work permit expired three days ago. My refusal letter says I need to leave the country immediately. What does that mean?
If your work permit was refused and you were instructed to leave immediately, you are no longer authorized to stay in Canada. You should:
Leave Canada promptly: Follow the instructions in the refusal letter to avoid legal issues.
Restore Status: If you plan to stay, apply for restoration of status within 90 days, addressing the previous refusal reasons.
Consult an RCIC or Immigration Lawyer: Get professional advice to explore your options and adequately address the situation.
Thank you.
I was on a close work permit, my husband was on an open work permit, and my son was studying in Canada. The employer didn’t give me work. Then, I applied for a vulnerable, open work permit and filed a federal court application. The immigration officer gave nine reasons for my refusal. I took my case back. Now, I want to come back to Canada with my family. What can I do?
To return to Canada with your family, consider these steps:
Visitor Visas: Apply for visitor visas for yourself and your family.
Study Permits: If your son continues his studies, ensure his study permit is valid.
New Work Permit: Seek a new job offer and apply for a new work permit.
Consult an RCIC or Immigration Lawyer: Get personalized advice to strengthen your applications and address previous refusal reasons.
Thank you.
I am writing to you regarding my query about the refusal of my work permit for a Canada Visa. As I have applied under LMIA exemption, I have mentioned the employment number in the application and also attached the required document for the compliance fee from the employer. However, as mentioned in my refusal letter, the reason was: “The employer has failed to pay the employer compliance fee, as required under section 303.1 of the IRPA.” Please help me with further processing, as I need to know what to do next. I appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Sure, we can help. Please email us the submitted application. We will contact you to let you know the real reason for the visa rejection. Thanks
My spousal open work permit is expiring in less than a month. I need to get it renewed.
Apply for the renewal immediately to ensure you maintain implied status, allowing you to continue working while awaiting the decision.
My wife has applied for her study permit extension. We are yet to get a feedback from ircc. Also I applied for my work permit extension along with my wife application. What do we do?
Monitor your IRCC account for updates. With timely applications, you’re on implied status, allowing you to continue studying and working until decisions are made.
I am currently on pgwp, valid till the end of 2026. My wife is also in Canada, but her spousal open work permit expires in October after 4 months. I am now applying for her spousal work permit extension. But I want to ask. Can I do flagpoling at the border?Â
Yes, you can do flagpoling at the border for your wife’s spousal work permit extension. It involves leaving Canada briefly and re-entering to activate the new permit. Ensure you have all required documents and check current border procedures beforehand.