Extend Work Permit in Canada: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

To keep your work permit in Canada valid, the single most important thing you can do is submit a complete extension application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your current one expires. Get this timing right, and you’ll be covered by maintained status, which lets you keep working under the same conditions while you wait for a decision. A little bit of planning here goes a long way in preventing any hiccups with your job.

Your Guide to a Successful Work Permit Extension

Extending a work permit in Canada can feel like a high-stakes puzzle. Whether you’re a temporary foreign worker in the GTA, a recent grad on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or an Ontario employer trying to hold onto a key team member, this guide will give you clarity and confidence. We’ll cut through the jargon and lay out a clear, actionable plan.

The first concept you absolutely need to understand is maintained status. Think of it as your legal safety net. As long as your extension application is in IRCC’s hands before your current permit expires, you’re legally allowed to stay in Canada and keep working. Once you get your head around this, the whole process feels a lot less stressful.

Why Acting Early Is More Important Than Ever

Getting your application in early isn’t just about avoiding a last-minute scramble—it’s a strategic move to protect your life and career in Canada.

Recent policy changes have really turned up the pressure. For example, a wave of over 500,000 work permits were set to expire in 2024, leaving a massive number of temporary foreign workers in limbo. In Ontario alone, that number was over 200,000. This crunch is tied to the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, which is designed to stabilize temporary resident numbers, making timely and perfect renewals more critical than ever.

This guide is all about getting your application right from the get-go. There are several different paths you can take, and the first step is figuring out which one is yours. You can learn more about the various types of Canadian work visas in our detailed article.

A successful work permit extension isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s about building a solid case for IRCC that shows you still meet every single requirement to work in Canada.

Ultimately, being prepared means knowing exactly what IRCC is looking for—from a valid job offer to proof that you’ve followed all the rules of your previous permit. For more insights on employment and international work, the Shorepod Blog offers some great articles and perspectives. With a structured approach, you can tackle your extension with confidence.

Confirming Your Eligibility and Choosing the Right Path

Before you even think about documents, the very first—and most critical—step is figuring out if you’re eligible to extend your work permit and which path you need to take. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Your personal situation dictates the exact application stream you must follow, and a mistake here can stop your application in its tracks.

Think of this as your starting point. Are you looking to renew a permit tied to a specific company, or do you have an open work permit that gives you the freedom to work for almost any employer in Ontario? Each route is completely different.

Employer-Specific Work Permit Extensions

If your current work permit is for a single employer, renewing it almost always requires your employer to act first. For most people, this means getting a brand new, positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA is how the government confirms that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the Canadian job market.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt, like those covered by an international trade agreement (think CUSMA or CETA) or for intra-company transferees. In these cases, your employer bypasses the LMIA but still has to submit a new offer of employment through the official IRCC Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee.

Here’s a real-world example we see all the time with tech workers in the GTA: Your job title changes. A promotion from “Software Developer” to “Senior Software Developer” might seem minor, but it must be perfectly reflected in the new offer of employment and the LMIA. Any mismatch is a red flag for IRCC and often leads to delays.

This flowchart breaks down the first question you need to ask yourself: is your permit expiring soon?

The bottom line? Timing is everything. You absolutely cannot leave this to the last minute.

Open Work Permit Extensions

When it comes to extending an open work permit, the ball is entirely in your court. Your employer isn’t involved in the application at all. The two most common situations we handle are for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders and the spouses or partners of skilled workers.

• PGWP Holders: A PGWP is a one-shot deal. You can’t just extend it. The only real exception is if your passport’s expiry date cut your initial permit short. For nearly everyone else, a PGWP is the end of the line, and you need to find a new path, like securing an employer-specific permit or qualifying for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

• Spouses and Partners: If you have an open work permit because your spouse or common-law partner is a skilled worker or international student, your ability to extend is tied directly to their status. To get your extension, your partner must still have valid status in Canada.

Your eligibility isn’t set in stone. It’s a snapshot based on your job, your status, and your long-term plans in Canada right now. You have to evaluate your situation based on today’s rules, not the ones that applied when you first arrived.

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The Bridging Open Work Permit is an absolute lifesaver for anyone on the path to permanent residence. It lets you keep working legally after your current permit expires while you wait for IRCC to make a final decision on your PR application. But the rules for a BOWP are incredibly strict.

To qualify, you must:

• Be physically in Canada.
• Hold a work permit that expires within the next four months.
• Have already submitted your permanent residence application under a qualifying program (like Express Entry or a PNP).
• Have received a positive eligibility assessment—the official “Acknowledgement of Receipt” (AOR)—on your PR application.

That last point is where many people get tripped up. You can’t apply for a BOWP the second you hit ‘submit’ on your PR profile. You have to wait for IRCC to confirm your application is complete and has passed the first review. For a full rundown, check out our guide on the Bridging Open Work Permit eligibility criteria.

Getting this first stage right sets the foundation for your entire application. By taking the time to carefully match your situation to IRCC’s criteria, you can move on to gathering your documents with confidence.

Getting Your Documents Ready for the IRCC Portal

Putting together a strong work permit extension application is all about the details. Think of your submission to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a complete story that leaves no room for questions. Every single document you provide needs to be correct, clear, and in its proper place.

Your first stop is the IRCC online portal. Before you even see what documents you need, you’ll have to go through an online questionnaire. Your answers here are absolutely critical. They’re what the system uses to figure out which application stream you qualify for and to generate a personalized document checklist just for you. A wrong answer at this stage can send you down a completely incorrect path, causing a lot of confusion and delays.

This questionnaire is your first chance to make a strong case, so don’t rush it. Take your time and make sure every answer perfectly matches your situation.

The Core Documents Everyone Needs

While the IRCC portal will give you your specific list, most work permit extension applications have a set of core documents in common. Getting these ready ahead of time will make the final upload process go a lot smoother.

• Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710): This is the heart of your entire application. It’s a dynamic PDF you have to download, fill out meticulously, and then validate to create barcodes before you can upload it. Check every single field for accuracy—especially names and dates.

• Valid Passport: Your passport has to be valid for the entire time you’re asking for the work permit to cover. IRCC absolutely will not issue a permit that goes beyond your passport’s expiry date. Make sure you have crisp, high-quality scans of the main biodata page and every other page that has stamps or visas on it.

• Proof of Current Status: You’ll need to upload a copy of your current work permit. This proves you’re applying while you still have valid status in Canada.

• Digital Photo: The photo must meet IRCC’s very specific rules for size, background colour, and even your facial expression. Your safest bet is to get a professional photo taken for this exact purpose to avoid any chance of rejection.

These are the non-negotiables for pretty much every extension. From here, the list of supporting documents will grow depending on the type of permit you’re after.

Documents for an Employer-Specific Permit

If you’re extending a permit tied to a specific employer, they have some homework to do, too. The offer of employment letter is especially important and needs to contain precise details to get approved.

The letter must clearly state your job title, a full list of your duties, your salary and benefits, hours per week, and the physical address of where you’ll be working. Any mismatch between this letter and your LMIA (if you have one) can grind your application to a halt. For example, if your LMIA is for a “Project Coordinator” in Toronto, but your job offer calls you a “Project Manager,” an officer will flag that immediately.

Pro Tip: Your employer has to give you an Offer of Employment number. They get this number after submitting the offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and paying the $230 employer compliance fee. You literally cannot submit your application without it.

Documents for an Open Work Permit

When it comes to open work permits, like a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), the focus shifts away from your employer and onto your journey toward permanent residence.

The most crucial piece of evidence here is your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from your permanent residence application. This is the official letter from IRCC confirming they’ve received your PR application and it’s in the processing queue. You are simply not eligible for a BOWP without it. You might also be asked for proof of funds to show you can support yourself while you wait.

Navigating the document requirements for different permit types can be tricky. This table breaks down the essentials for the most common extension scenarios.

Document Checklist for Common Work Permit Extensions

Document Type	Employer-Specific Permit	Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)	Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Primary Proof	Valid LMIA or Offer of Employment Number	Letter of Completion & Official Transcripts	Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for PR
Key Form	IMM 5710	IMM 5710	IMM 5710
Financial Proof	Usually not required	May be required to show self-sufficiency	May be required to show self-sufficiency
Employer Role	Critical: Must submit offer via Employer Portal	None: Applicant-driven	None: Applicant-driven

As you can see, the central piece of evidence changes dramatically based on the permit you’re applying for. Always double-check that you have the correct primary proof for your specific situation.

The Power of a Good Letter of Explanation

Sometimes, your situation just doesn’t fit into the neat little boxes on the application forms. That’s where a Letter of Explanation (LOE) becomes your most valuable tool. It’s your one chance to speak directly to the immigration officer reviewing your file.

Use an LOE to explain anything out of the ordinary. Maybe there was a gap in your employment, a slight change in your job duties, or a reason why you can’t provide a specific document. A well-written LOE provides crucial context, shows you’re being transparent, and can clear up a potential misunderstanding that might otherwise lead to a refusal. Just be clear, concise, and stick to the facts.

Building a complete and logical application is the best strategy for success. For a more comprehensive overview, you can explore the essential work permit application requirements in our detailed guide.

Fees, Biometrics, and Your Status While You Wait

You’ve gathered your documents and built your case—now it’s time for the final procedural hurdles with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This stage is all about paying the right fees, figuring out your biometrics requirements, and, most importantly, understanding what your legal status is while your application is in the queue.

Getting these details right isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s what ensures you have peace of mind and can carry on with your life in Canada without any legal hiccups.

Successfully navigating this final phase is what allows you to keep working legally while your application to extend your work permit in Canada is being processed.

Breaking Down the Application Costs

One of the most common and frustrating reasons an application gets returned is incorrect fee payment. Remember, these fees are non-refundable and have to be paid in full when you submit, so let’s make sure you get the numbers right.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Work Permit Processing Fee: The base fee for the application is $155 per person.
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If you’re applying for an open work permit, like a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), there’s an extra $100 fee.
• Biometrics Fee: For your fingerprints and photo, the cost is $85 for one person or $170 for a family applying together.

For example, if you’re a single person extending an employer-specific work permit and you need to give biometrics, your total would be $240 ($155 + $85). If you’re applying for a BOWP and also need biometrics, you’d be looking at $340 ($155 + $100 + $85).

The Biometrics Requirement

Biometrics are IRCC’s way of confirming your identity. The good news is that if you’ve provided them within the last 10 years for another Canadian visa or permit, they’re likely still valid. You can always use the official IRCC tool online to double-check their status.

If it turns out you do need to provide them, don’t worry. After you’ve submitted your application and paid the fees, IRCC will send you a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You’ll then need to book an appointment at a designated Service Canada centre to get it done. My advice? Don’t put this off. Your application won’t move forward until your biometrics are in the system.

Understanding Maintained Status

This is a term you absolutely need to know. When you submit your work permit extension application before your current permit expires, you are automatically put on maintained status. It’s a crucial legal protection under Canadian immigration law.

In simple terms, it means you can legally stay in Canada and continue working under the exact same conditions of your old permit until a decision is made on your new one.

Maintained status is your legal bridge. It’s not just a favour from IRCC; it’s a right under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. It protects both you and your employer, ensuring there’s no gap in your legal right to work.

Let’s say your permit for a job in Burlington expires on November 30th. As long as you submitted your extension application on or before that date—say, on November 25th—you can show up for work on December 1st and continue working just as before.

This provides vital stability for Canada’s temporary workers. Work permit extensions have maintained remarkably high approval rates. This commitment from IRCC offers a lifeline to many of the temporary residents in Canada, especially with hundreds of thousands of permits expiring each year. You can find more data on these trends directly on the Government of Canada’s website.

Of course, your legal status involves more than just the IRCC process. For those who work remotely, understanding the full picture is key. This a practical guide to understanding visas and taxes when working remotely is a great resource. And for more specifics on the open work permit side of things, you can find a detailed walkthrough right here: https://www.ullaw.ca/resource/open-work-permit-extension.

Common Mistakes and How to Restore Your Status

Even the most careful applicants can make small mistakes on their work permit extension applications. It’s surprisingly easy. A missed signature, an incomplete form, or paying the wrong fee can grind everything to a halt, leading to frustrating delays or even an outright refusal.

Let’s walk through how to avoid these common slip-ups and, more importantly, what to do if things don’t go according to plan. Think of your application as your one chance to tell your story to an immigration officer—if it’s missing pieces, they can’t give you the green light. Getting it right the first time saves a world of stress.

Proactive Solutions to Common Application Errors

We’ve seen it all when it comes to application errors from workers across Ontario. These aren’t just minor typos; they are the kinds of mistakes that can seriously jeopardize your ability to stay and work in Canada.

Here’s a look at the most frequent issues we see and how you can sidestep them:

• Paying Incorrect Fees: This is probably the number one reason applications get bounced back without even being looked at. Fees change. Always double-check the latest IRCC fee schedule for the work permit processing fee ($155), the open work permit holder fee ($100), and the biometrics fee ($85) right before you pay.
• Submitting an Incomplete Form: Every single question on the IMM 5710 form needs an answer. A missing date or a failure to click “validate” and generate the barcodes can lead to an instant rejection.
• Passport Validity Issues: This is a big one. IRCC cannot issue a work permit that extends beyond your passport’s expiry date. Make sure your passport has plenty of life left in it to cover the entire extension you’re asking for.
• Using Outdated Forms: IRCC updates its forms from time to time. To be safe, always download a fresh copy from their website right before you begin. You don’t want your application tossed out because you used an old version.

Our Best Advice: The single most effective thing you can do is a final, detailed review. Before you hit submit, print everything out and go through it line by line. Even better, ask a friend or a professional to give it a once-over with a fresh pair of eyes.

The Most Stressful Scenario: What If Your Permit Expires?

So, what happens if you’ve made an error, missed the deadline, and your work permit has already expired? The first thing you must do is stop working immediately. Continuing to work without a valid permit is a serious breach of Canadian immigration law and could sink any future applications you make.

Don’t panic just yet, though. You might have a critical safety net available. It’s a process called Restoration of Status, but it has very strict rules and a hard deadline.

Applying for Restoration of Status

If you’ve fallen out of status because you didn’t extend your work permit in time, you have exactly 90 days from the day it expired to apply for restoration. This isn’t just an extension; it’s a specific application to reclaim your legal status as a temporary resident and worker.

To qualify for restoration, you must:

1. Apply within that 90-day window.
2. Have followed the rules of your previous permit (e.g., you didn’t work after it expired).
3. Meet all the requirements for the new work permit you’re requesting.
4. Pay the restoration fee ($229.77) on top of the regular work permit application fees.

That 90-day deadline is non-negotiable. Missing it means you will be required to leave Canada, with very few exceptions.

The government is also getting tougher on enforcement. We’re seeing this firsthand with our clients in Ontario and across the country. For example, recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shows a significant increase in removals, often tied to overstays and missed deadlines. As you can read in these CBSA enforcement trends on VisaHQ.com, the consequences are real. This makes acting quickly and correctly more important than ever.

While you’re applying for restoration, you cannot legally work. You’re allowed to stay in Canada while you wait for a decision, but you can’t earn an income until your status is restored and you have a new work permit in hand. This period of uncertainty is exactly why getting the initial extension right is so critical. For complex situations like a restoration, professional guidance is invaluable. To find the right help, you can learn more about finding an immigration lawyer near you in our guide.

Common Questions About Extending Your Work Permit

When you’re trying to extend your work permit, a lot of questions can pop up. It’s completely normal. We hear the same concerns from clients all the time, from downtown Toronto to our offices in Burlington. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones head-on.

Getting these details right can make a huge difference in keeping your application on track and giving you peace of mind.

Can I Travel Outside Canada While My Extension Is Processing?

Technically, you can, but I almost always advise against it. It’s a risky move. The moment you leave Canada, you lose your “maintained status”. That means you can’t legally work when you return until your new permit is officially approved.

Worse, if your current permit expires while you’re away, a CBSA officer at the border has every right to deny you re-entry. It’s just not worth the gamble. The safest bet is to stay put in Canada until you have that new permit in your hands.

What Should I Do If My Work Permit Extension Is Refused?

A refusal letter is a serious setback, and you need to act fast. First thing’s first: stop working immediately. Your legal authorization is gone.

Then, take a deep breath and read the refusal letter from IRCC very carefully. The officer’s notes are your roadmap for what to do next. Generally, you’ll have a few potential paths:

• Apply for Restoration: If it’s been less than 90 days since the refusal, you might be able to apply to restore your status. This is a specific process with its own set of rules.
• Submit a New Application: Sometimes, the best option is to build a brand new, much stronger application that directly fixes the problems the officer pointed out.
• Prepare to Leave Canada: If restoration or a new application isn’t in the cards, you must start making plans to leave the country.

A refusal is a critical turning point. This is when expert legal advice becomes non-negotiable. You need a professional to assess your situation and map out the best strategy to protect your future in Canada.

How Far in Advance Should I Apply for My Extension?

Processing times at IRCC are a moving target; they can stretch from weeks to several months without much warning. While the absolute minimum is to apply the day before your permit expires, I’d call that playing with fire.

A much safer and smarter approach is to submit your extension application at least three to four months before your current one expires. This creates a comfortable buffer for any unexpected government delays and ensures your maintained status will keep you working for as long as possible. You can always get a real-time estimate by checking the official IRCC processing times tool.

Can My Employer in Ontario Help With My Application?

For an employer-specific work permit, their help isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s mandatory. Your employer is an active participant in this process.

They’ll need to give you a new, official offer of employment. And, if your job requires it, they are also responsible for getting a new, valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Making sure your employer understands what’s needed from them and gets you the right documents on time is one of the biggest factors for success. Open communication with your HR department or manager from the very beginning can prevent a world of headaches later on.

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Navigating the ins and outs of a work permit extension can feel overwhelming. At UL Lawyers, our immigration team lives and breathes this stuff. We are based in Burlington, Ontario, but serve clients across the GTA and the entire province. We’re here to guide you through the process, making sure your application is solid, complete, and filed correctly. For legal advice tailored to your specific case, reach out and book a consultation with us.