Extending a Canadian work permit is essential for many foreign workers wishing to continue their careers in Canada. As the demand for skilled professionals grows, Canada offers many opportunities across industries, making it an attractive destination for international talent. However, extending a Canadian work permit can be complex. It requires careful planning to avoid disruptions in your work status.

Want to extend your Canadian Work Permit? We will show you everything from eligibility criteria to document preparation and application procedures.

Understanding Work Permit Extension Eligibility

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Understanding the eligibility criteria for extending your Canadian work permit is crucial for a smooth application process. We explore the key factors determining whether you can extend your stay and continue your professional journey in Canada.

Who Can Apply For a Work Permit Extension?

Valid work permit holders can apply for an extension as their Canadian work permit nears expiration. Your eligibility status must be confirmed before starting the extension process. The application should be submitted at least 30 days before your current work permit expires to maintain Canadian residency status.

Types of Work Permits Eligible For Extension

Canada has two main work permit categories you can extend. Employer-specific work permits link you to a specific employer and need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). You can extend these permits when you have a valid job offer, and your employer gets a new LMIA if needed.

Open work permits, on the other hand, give you more flexibility because they don't tie you to one Canadian employer. You can extend your open work permit when you meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria include having:

  • A post-graduate qualification from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
  • A spouse of a temporary foreign worker,
  • An applicant for permanent residence, and
  • A dependent family member of a permanent residence applicant.

Key Requirements For Extension

Work permit extensions in Canada have several significant requirements:

  • Maintain a valid status at the time of application,
  • Comply with all conditions of your current work permit,
  • Ensure your passport validity extends beyond the requested permit duration.
  • Provide proof of continued employment (for job-specific permits), and
  • Submit a new LMIA or LMIA exemption documentation if required.

Understanding how to work in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets you apply for multiple extensions when you meet the eligibility criteria. Qualified Canadian work experience through these extensions can strengthen your pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Work Permit

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Let's look at the practical steps to extend your work permit in Canada. A smooth application process awaits when you follow these steps.

Step 1: Documents You Need to Gather

You should collect these documents to apply for your work permit extension:

  • Current Canadian work permit copy,
  • A valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months,
  • Digital photos that meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) specifications,
  • Recent pay stubs to prove your employment,
  • Job offer letter or employment contract, and
  • Marriage certificate and family documents if you have dependents.

Step 2: Completing The Application Form

Your IRCC account provides access to form IMM 5710. Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number becomes crucial when you complete the application. You'll find this number on your current work permit. Your mailing address must be accurate because your new Canadian work permit will arrive at this location. The dates must match your passport's validity period, so double-check all dates carefully.

Step 3: Paying The Required Fees

Your work permit extension fees depend on your work permit type:

  • Standard work permit extension: 111.68 CAD,
  • Open work permit holder fee: 138.78 CAD extra, and
  • Group performing artists (3+ people): 645.30 CAD maximum.

Please note your payment card should remain active for 18 months after payment to receive potential refunds.

Step 4: Submitting Your Application

The IRCC online portal accepts your application submissions. Your online account will receive a confirmation letter that proves your authorized status to continue working after submission. Print this letter and keep it with your current work permit to show your Canadian employer.

Submit your application at least 30 days before your Canadian work permit expires. The online system creates an individual-specific document checklist based on your situation. The optional client information section lets you explain your case well to the visa officer if you need to add more details.

Maintaining Your Status While Waiting for a Decision

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Your understanding of the post-submission process plays a significant role in maintaining legal status after applying for a Canadian work permit extension. The outline below will help you manage the waiting period better.

Implied Status Explained

Your application for a work permit extension in Canada automatically grants you implied status if you submit it before your current permit expires. This legal provision allows you to stay in Canada during the application review process. IRCC's decision-making period keeps your implied status valid, which means you can legally remain in the country even after your original permit expires.

Working Under Implied Status

Implied status allows you to continue working in Canada under specific conditions. Your current work permit extension application lets you maintain your existing permit's working conditions. These conditions mean you can work for the same employer and must follow all conditions listed on your original Canadian work permit.

Keep your application submission proof ready to show your Canadian employer. Your new Canadian employer must wait until your new permit receives approval before you can start working for them, even with implied status.

Travel Considerations During Processing

You should carefully consider your travel plans when processing your Canadian work permit extension. These points are vital to keep in mind:

  • Your implied status might be affected if you leave Canada during processing.
  • You need proper documentation for re-entry if travel becomes necessary, and
  • You can only enter as a visitor when returning and must wait for new permit approval before working again.

The best way to keep your work in Canada under the TFWP is to avoid international travel while your extension application is in process. You should contact IRCC or an immigration professional if travel becomes unavoidable to understand its impact on your status and work authorization.

Your Canadian employer might ask for proof of your continued work eligibility. IRCC provides a letter that confirms your implied status. Keep this letter with your expired work permit to prove you can work legally.

What to Do if Your Work Permit Has Expired?

You must act quickly when your work permit expires. There's no need to panic, though. Taking immediate action is significant. The Canadian government offers solutions, but you must act fast.

Restoration of Status Option

A 90-day window exists to apply for restoration of your temporary resident status after your work permit expires. You can apply to restore your status and get a new work permit. Remember that you must stop working immediately when your permit expires, even if you plan to apply for restoration.

Steps to Take if You've Lost Status

Here's what you need to do to restore your status and work permit in Canada:

  • Step 1: File your restoration application within 90 days after your permit expires,
  • Step 2: Complete the payment for restoration 317.86 CAD and work permit fees,
  • Step 3: Submit documents that prove you followed all your previous Canadian work permit conditions,
  • Step 4: Add your valid job offer or LMIA when needed, and
  • Step 5: Show that you still qualify for your Canadian work permit.

Consequences of Working Without a Valid Permit

Working without authorization in Canada can seriously impact your future. You put yourself at risk when you work after your permit expires:

  • You may become inadmissible to Canada,
  • You could receive a removal order,
  • Your future immigration applications may face challenges, and
  • Officials might refuse your current and future work permits.

Your Canadian employer might want to keep you on the job, but IRCC sees any unauthorized work as illegal. This could hurt your chances of getting Canadian permanent residency. Some employers might pay you in cash, but taking such deals could lead to immigration problems and leave you open to exploitation.

The law requires you to leave Canada and apply for a work permit abroad if you've passed the 90-day restoration period. TFWP has strict rules about compliance. Your long-term immigration goals depend on your legal status. Immigration professionals can help protect your right to work in Canada legally through the restoration process.

FAQs

How Often Can a Work Permit Be Renewed in Canada?

A work permit in Canada can be renewed multiple times as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Each renewal is subject to review by immigration authorities, so it's essential to ensure your application is complete and accurate. There's no limit on how often you can renew your work permit.

Am I Allowed to Stay And Work in Canada While My Work Permit Extension is Processed in Canada?

If you apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires, you may be able to stay and work in Canada under implied status. This means you can continue working while waiting for a decision on your application. However, you must comply with the terms of your original permit until a decision is made.

Can I Change Employers While Applying For a Work Permit Extension in Canada?

Changing Canadian employers while applying for a work permit extension is possible, but it requires a new application. You must ensure that the new job meets the requirements set by the Canadian government and that you have the necessary documentation. Submitting your application and waiting for approval before starting with the new employer is crucial.