Applying for a Work Permit Extension in Canada is an essential step for any temporary foreign worker who wants to continue their employment legally without interruption. Whether you’re in Canada on an employer-specific permit, an open work permit, a PGWP, or any other type of temporary work authorization, understanding how to extend your status is crucial. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications can lead to losing your legal status and potentially impacting future immigration plans. This complete guide walks you through every step of the process, ensures you understand the requirements, and helps you avoid common mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your extension.
Why Extending Your Work Permit Is Important
A work permit gives you the legal right to work in Canada, but it also ties directly to your immigration status. If your work permit is approaching its expiry date, applying for an extension on time helps you:
- Maintain legal status
- Continue working under maintained (implied) status
- Avoid gaps in employment
- Stay on track with immigration programs (Express Entry, PNPs, etc.)
Submitting your extension application early gives IRCC enough time to review your case and ensures you remain authorized while awaiting their decision.
Types of Work Permits You Can Extend
Before you begin the extension process, it’s important to understand what type of work permit you currently hold. This determines the documents you need and whether you are eligible for an extension.
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)
This type is tied to one employer, job position, and location. To extend it, you often need updated documents such as a new LMIA or a continued job offer.
2. Open Work Permit
Allows you to work for any employer in most industries. Certain open permits—like spousal open work permits or PGWPs—have different extension rules.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
These permits are not extendable in most cases, unless you qualify under special public policies or your passport originally limited the permit duration.
4. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
You may qualify for a BOWP if you’ve applied for permanent residency under eligible programs like Express Entry or PNP streams.
Understanding which category applies to you helps ensure you follow the correct steps and provide the right documents.
Step 1: Know When to Apply
The ideal time to apply for your work permit extension is:
- At least 30 days before your current permit expires
However, IRCC recommends applying even earlier, as processing times can vary significantly.
Maintained (Implied) Status
If you apply before your permit expires, you automatically receive maintained status. This means you can continue to work under the same conditions of your original work permit until IRCC makes a decision.
If you apply after your permit expires, you lose your status and must apply for restoration, which is more complicated and costly.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The documents you need will depend on the type of work permit you’re extending. Common documents include:
Core Documents
- Valid passport (your permit cannot extend past your passport expiry)
- Current work permit copy
- Proof of continued job offer (employer-specific permits)
- Updated LMIA or LMIA-exempt documents, if applicable
- Employment letter from your employer
- Recent pay stubs
- Digital photo
Additional Documents (Depending on Permit Type)
- Marriage certificate (for spousal open work permits)
- Proof of spouse’s status or study/work permit
- Permanent residency application proof (for BOWP)
- Educational credentials (for certain PNP streams)
Make sure documents are clear, legible, and translated if not in English or French.
Step 3: Apply Online Through IRCC
Most applications for a work permit extension must be submitted online. Here’s how:
1. Create or Log In to Your IRCC Account
Visit the official IRCC portal and access your GCKEY or sign-in partner login.
2. Choose “Extend my work permit”
You will complete a questionnaire that determines your document checklist.
3. Upload All Required Documents
Ensure documents are in PDF or photo format, properly labelled, and meet IRCC file size rules.
4. Pay the Required Fees
Fees typically include:
- $155 CAD for work permit extension
- $100 CAD for open work permit holder fee (if applicable)
- Biometrics fee (if required)
5. Submit Your Application
Double-check everything before submission. Errors or missing information can delay processing.
Step 4: Biometrics (If Required)
Not everyone needs to provide biometrics for an extension. You may be exempt if:
- You provided biometrics within the last 10 years
- You’re from a biometrics-exempt category
If required, IRCC will send you a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). You must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre and provide fingerprints and a photo.
Step 5: Wait for IRCC’s Decision
Work permit processing times vary depending on:
- Type of permit
- Volume of applications
- Country of origin (for foreign nationals applying from outside Canada)
- Completeness of your application
During processing, IRCC may request additional documents or information. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
What Happens After You Apply?
Maintained Status Continues Until a Decision
If you applied before your work permit expired, you can continue to work legally in Canada under the same permit conditions until IRCC decides.
If Your Extension Is Approved
You will receive:
- A new work permit mailed to your Canadian address
- Updated authorization allowing you to continue working
Make sure the new permit details (employer, job, location, dates) are correct. If not, request corrections immediately.
If Your Application Is Refused
You must stop working immediately.
You may still qualify to:
- Apply for restoration of status within 90 days
- Apply for a different type of permit
- Leave and re-enter Canada after obtaining a new permit
Always review the refusal letter to understand the reasons and next steps.
Special Situations and Exceptions
1. PGWP Holders
Most PGWPs cannot be extended, but there are exceptions:
- Public policies allowing extensions during certain years
- Expired passport-based short permits
- Transitional rules for PR applicants
Check current IRCC policies or consult immigration professionals.
2. Spouses of International Students or Workers
Spouses can extend their open work permit if:
- The student remains in a full-time eligible program
- The worker holds a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
3. Applicants for Permanent Residence
If you’ve applied for PR under:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Start-Up Visa
- Live-in Caregiver Program
…you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
4. Changing Employers
If you want to switch employers, you must:
- Apply for a new employer-specific permit
- Wait for approval before starting the new job
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Missing the deadline
Apply early to avoid losing your status.
❌ Forgetting required documents
An incomplete application leads to delays or refusals.
❌ Expired passport
Your permit cannot extend past your passport’s validity date.
❌ Not monitoring IRCC messages
Missing requests can cause refusal.
❌ Working without authorization
This can negatively impact future immigration applications.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply at least 3–4 months before your permit expires.
- Double-check your employer documents for consistency.
- Make sure your job offer matches the NOC/TEER codes.
- Save all pay stubs and employment letters as proof.
- Respond quickly to IRCC’s additional document requests.
FAQs About Work Permit Extensions in Canada
1. Can I continue working while waiting for a decision?
Yes—if you applied before your permit expired, you have maintained status.
2. Can I travel outside Canada while waiting?
Travelling may affect your maintained status. You may not be able to re-enter as a worker until the new permit is issued.
3. How long does the extension process take?
Processing times vary, but typically range from a few weeks to several months.
4. What if my employer changes?
You must apply for a new employer-specific work permit.
5. What if my work permit expires before I apply?
You must apply for restoration within 90 days and cannot work until restored.
Conclusion
Applying for a Work Permit Extension in Canada is a crucial step to ensure you maintain legal status, continue working, and stay on track with your long-term immigration goals. While the process may seem overwhelming, understanding the steps—knowing when to apply, gathering the right documents, submitting correctly through IRCC, and maintaining legal status—can make the experience much smoother. With careful planning, timely action, and accurate documentation, you can extend your work permit successfully and keep building your future in Canada.
