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Extension & Renewal
Extend Your Work Permit in Canada
Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
Processing Time
15 months (450 days) - Apply at least 4 months before expiry
Government Fee
$255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 work permit holder fee)
Biometrics Fee
$85 CAD (if required and not previously valid)
Total Cost
$340 CAD (if biometrics required)
Extension Overview
About Work Permit Extension
A work permit extension allows foreign workers to continue working legally in Canada beyond their current work permit's expiry date. Whether you hold an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit, extending before expiry is crucial to maintain your legal status and employment authorization in Canada.
The extension process varies depending on your work permit type. Employer-specific work permits often require a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA exemption, while open work permits (such as Post-Graduation Work Permits or spousal open work permits) have different requirements. You must ensure your employer remains compliant with all employment conditions and that you continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Applying before your current work permit expires gives you implied status, allowing you to continue working for the same employer under the same conditions while awaiting a decision. With processing times averaging 15 months, early application is essential to avoid gaps in work authorization that could jeopardize your employment and immigration status.
Important Deadlines
- Apply at least 4 months before your work permit expires to account for processing times
- Employer must obtain new LMIA (if required) before you submit your extension application
- Submit biometrics within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter
- If your permit expires before applying, you have 90 days to restore your status (cannot work during this time)
- Respond to IRCC requests for additional information within the specified deadline
Free Extension Assessment
Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.
Book Free ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application InfoRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these requirements to qualify for Work Permit Extension.
Hold a valid work permit or have applied for extension before expiry (implied status)
Continue to work for an eligible employer in a qualifying position
Employer has a new positive LMIA (if required) or qualifies for an LMIA exemption
Meet all conditions of your current work permit and employment agreement
Employer is compliant with all conditions of the original LMIA (if applicable)
Have not engaged in unauthorized work or violated work permit conditions
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Valid passport (must extend beyond your intended work period)
Current work permit and employment documents
New job offer letter from your employer detailing position, salary, and duration
Copy of new LMIA (if required) or proof of LMIA exemption with offer of employment number
Proof of employer compliance and business legitimacy
Updated resume and educational credentials
Proof of payment for government fees ($155 for work permit, $100 for work permit holder fee)
Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications (for online applications)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Confirm Employer Compliance and LMIA Status
Verify that your employer remains compliant with all LMIA conditions (if applicable) and is eligible to continue employing you. If an LMIA is required for extension, your employer must apply for and receive a new positive LMIA before you can submit your work permit extension.
2
Obtain New Job Offer and Supporting Documents
Request a new detailed job offer letter from your employer outlining your position, duties, salary, location, and duration of employment. Collect the LMIA number or LMIA exemption code (offer of employment number) that your employer received from Service Canada or the exemption category.
3
Gather Personal Documentation
Collect your current work permit, passport, employment records, proof of maintained status, educational credentials, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your continued eligibility and employment history.
4
Create or Access Your IRCC Account
Log in to your IRCC secure account or create one if applying online. Most work permit extensions are now processed through the online portal, which provides faster processing and easier document submission.
5
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker form through your IRCC account. Provide accurate details about your employment, employer, and work permit extension request.
6
Upload Documents and Pay Fees
Scan and upload all required supporting documents including your job offer, LMIA or exemption documentation, passport, current work permit, and employer compliance evidence. Pay the $255 government fee and $85 biometrics fee (if required) online.
7
Submit Biometrics and Track Application
If you receive a biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at a Service Canada location within 30 days. Monitor your application through your IRCC account and respond promptly to any additional requests. You have implied status to continue working if you applied before expiry.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Applying without a valid LMIA - Ensure your employer has obtained a new positive LMIA if required
Changing employers without authorization - Employer-specific permits only allow work for the named employer
Not verifying employer compliance - IRCC may refuse if employer hasn't met original LMIA conditions
Insufficient proof of employment relationship - Provide pay stubs, T4s, and employment verification
Applying too late - 15-month processing means you'll be on implied status for over a year if cutting it close
Pro Tip
Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.
Costs
Extension Fees
Government fees for Work Permit Extension applications.
Government Fee
$255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 work permit holder fee)Biometrics
$85 CAD (if required and not previously valid)Total
$340 CAD (if biometrics required)Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Work Permit Extension
Does my employer need a new LMIA for my work permit extension?
It depends on your work permit type. If your current work permit is based on an LMIA, your employer typically needs to obtain a new positive LMIA for your extension application. The LMIA demonstrates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. However, if your position qualifies for an LMIA exemption under CUSMA/NAFTA, international agreements, or intra-company transfers, your employer doesn't need an LMIA but must provide proof of the exemption. Open work permit extensions (like PGWP or spousal open work permits) don't require an LMIA at all.
Can I continue working while my extension application is being processed?
Yes, if you submit your work permit extension application before your current work permit expires, you have implied status. This allows you to continue working for the same employer under the same conditions while waiting for a decision on your extension. However, if you leave Canada during this period, your implied status ends and you may not be able to return until your new work permit is approved. Implied status only applies if you applied before your original work permit expired.
Can I change employers while on a work permit extension application?
It depends on your work permit type. If you have an employer-specific work permit (closed work permit), you cannot change employers while your extension is being processed - you can only work for the employer named on your current permit and extension application. If you want to change employers, you need to submit a new work permit application with the new employer's LMIA or exemption. However, if you have an open work permit, you can generally work for any employer in Canada (subject to specific restrictions of your open work permit type).
What happens if my work permit extension is refused?
If your work permit extension is refused, you must stop working immediately and leave Canada unless you have another valid status. You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You may be able to apply again if you can address the refusal reasons, or you might consider other immigration options. If you were on implied status when the refusal was issued, that implied status ends immediately. It's important to consult with an immigration professional to understand your options and avoid being out of status in Canada.
How do processing times affect my work permit extension strategy?
With current processing times at approximately 15 months, strategic planning is crucial. You should apply at least 4-6 months before your current work permit expires, though some people apply even earlier. While on implied status waiting for the extension, you can continue working but cannot leave Canada without abandoning your application. If you need to travel internationally, consider whether you should extend from within Canada or leave and apply for a new work permit from outside Canada. Also, factor in the timing if you're working toward permanent residence - you may need a work permit that extends beyond your PR application timeline.
Other Extension Types
Study Permit Extension
4 months (120 days) - Apply at least 3-4 months before expiry
Continue your educational journey with a seamless study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Visitor Visa Extension
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Learn More
Status Restoration
10 months (300 days) - You must wait in Canada during processing without work/study authorization
Regain your legal status within 90 days of expiry. Act quickly to restore your visitor, student, or worker status in Canada.
Learn More
Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?
Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.
RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC