Canada Work Permit Extension — Canada immigration status extension by Go Far Global

Extension & Renewal

Canada Work Permit Extension: How to Renew Your Working Visa

Keep working without a gap. IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your permit expires, and sooner if your employer needs a new LMIA first.

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Processing Time

About 4 months (118 days per IRCC, October 14, 2026) inland. IRCC says apply at least 30 days before expiry; we recommend 4 months

Government Fee

$155 CAD ($255 CAD for an open work permit with the $100 holder fee)

Biometrics Fee

$85 CAD (if required and not already valid)

Total Cost

$155 CAD, or $240 CAD with biometrics ($340 CAD for an open work permit). Restoring status: $401.25 CAD

Extension Overview

About Canada Work Permit Extension

To extend a work permit in Canada, you apply online to IRCC from inside the country before your current permit expires, using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710). The fee is $155 CAD per person, plus the $100 open work permit holder fee if your permit is open. IRCC's processing time for work permit applications made inside Canada was about 118 days on its October 14, 2026 update.

What you need depends on your permit type. An employer-specific permit based on an LMIA needs your employer to get a new positive LMIA before you apply or, if the LMIA is still pending, proof that it was requested. A permit based on an LMIA exemption needs a new offer of employment from your employer, submitted through IRCC's employer portal, with the offer number. Open work permits do not need an LMIA or an employer. See our guide to the LMIA work permit for how the employer side works.

If you apply before your permit expires, you have maintained status (formerly called implied status). You can stay in Canada and keep working under the same conditions, with the same employer for an employer-specific permit, until IRCC decides. Online applications must be submitted before midnight UTC on the day your permit expires. If it already expired, you have 90 days to apply to restore your status, and you cannot work until it is restored.

Not every permit can be extended. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is issued once and cannot be extended, so plan your next step early, for example a work permit with an employer, or permanent residence. See the PGWP page.

How the employer side works: LMIA work permit.
PGWP holders: post-graduation work permit.
Spouse of a worker or student: spousal open work permit.

Important Deadlines

IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your work permit expires; with processing around 3.5 months we recommend 4 months
Online applications must be submitted before midnight UTC on the day your permit expires to keep maintained status
The employer should apply for the LMIA before you apply for your extension, because IRCC will not decide your file without it
Biometrics are due within 30 days of the instruction letter
If your permit already expired, you have 90 days to restore your status, and you cannot work until it is restored

Extension Consultation

Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.

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RCIC License: R515110

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet these requirements to qualify for Canada Work Permit Extension.

Hold a valid work permit, or have applied to extend it before it expired (maintained status)

Be in Canada when you apply (extensions are filed from inside Canada)

Have a job offer and, if required, a positive LMIA or an LMIA exemption for the extension period

Have followed the conditions of your current permit, including working only for the named employer if it is employer-specific

For a spousal open work permit, your spouse must still hold the status that makes you eligible

Have a passport valid long enough for the permit you are asking for

Documentation

Required Documents

Gather these documents before starting your extension application.

Valid passport and a copy of your current work permit

Job offer letter with position, wages, hours, location and length of employment

A copy of the new positive LMIA, or the offer of employment number for an LMIA-exempt job

If the LMIA or the Quebec CAQ is still pending: proof of a valid job offer and proof the request was made

Recent pay stubs and proof you have worked under the conditions of your permit

Proof of payment: $155 CAD work permit fee, plus the $100 CAD open work permit holder fee for open permits

Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications for online applications

For a spousal open work permit: proof of your relationship and your spouse's current status

Get Complete Checklist

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.

Check your permit type and expiry date

Find out whether your permit is employer-specific with an LMIA, employer-specific with an LMIA exemption, or open. This decides what your employer must do first. Note your expiry date and count back at least 30 days, preferably 4 months.

Get the employer side done first

For an LMIA job, your employer should apply for a new LMIA before you apply for your extension. For an LMIA-exempt job, your employer submits a new offer of employment and gives you the offer number. In Quebec, a CAQ may also be needed. If the LMIA is still pending, you can apply with proof of the job offer and proof the request was made, but IRCC will not decide until it has the LMIA.

Gather your documents

Collect your passport, current work permit, job offer letter, LMIA or offer number, recent pay stubs and, for a spousal open work permit, proof of your spouse's status.

Sign in to your IRCC account

Use your GCKey or a Sign-In Partner and choose the option to extend your stay as a worker. Most extensions are filed online.

Complete the application (IMM 5710)

Answer every question to match your documents, including the employer name, job title and the length of stay you are asking for.

Upload documents and pay the fees

Upload everything, then pay the $155 work permit fee, plus the $100 open work permit holder fee if your permit is open, and the $85 biometrics fee if IRCC asks.

Submit before expiry, then track your file

Submit before midnight UTC on your expiry date. Keep your receipt as proof of maintained status, give biometrics within 30 days if asked, and answer any IRCC request on time.

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Common Pitfalls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.

Waiting for the LMIA or the offer number until the last minute, which delays your own application

Assuming a PGWP can be extended - it cannot, so look at other permits or permanent residence early

Changing employer or job on an employer-specific permit without a new permit

Paying only $155 on an open work permit and forgetting the $100 open work permit holder fee

Applying after the permit expired - restoring costs $246.25 on top of the $155 permit fee and you cannot work meanwhile

Leaving Canada on maintained status without understanding that you may return as a visitor and not be able to work

Applying too late - with processing near 3.5 months, a late filing means months on maintained status

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

$155 CAD ($255 CAD for an open work permit with the $100 holder fee)

Biometrics

$85 CAD (if required and not already valid)

Total

$155 CAD, or $240 CAD with biometrics ($340 CAD for an open work permit). Restoring status: $401.25 CAD

Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Canada Work Permit Extension

How much does it cost to renew or extend a work permit in Canada?

The work permit fee is $155 CAD per person. If your permit is open, add the $100 CAD open work permit holder fee, for $255 CAD. Add $85 CAD for biometrics if IRCC asks for them and yours are not valid. If your permit already expired and you must restore your status as a worker, the cost is $401.25 CAD ($246.25 restoration fee plus the $155 permit fee). These amounts are on IRCC's fee list as of October 2026.

Do I need a new LMIA to extend my work permit with the same employer?

If your permit was based on an LMIA, yes. Your employer needs a new positive LMIA for the extension period, and IRCC says the employer should apply for it before you apply for the extension. If the LMIA is still pending, you can apply with proof of a valid job offer and proof the LMIA request was made, but IRCC will not decide until it receives the LMIA. If your permit is LMIA-exempt, no LMIA is needed, but your employer must submit a new offer of employment and give you the offer number. An open work permit needs neither.

When should I apply to extend my work permit?

IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your permit expires. Because inland processing was about 118 days on IRCC's October 14, 2026 update, and an LMIA can take extra time, we suggest starting the employer side about 4 to 6 months before expiry. Online applications must be submitted before midnight UTC on the day your permit expires.

Can I keep working while my extension is processed?

Yes. If you submitted a valid application before your permit expired, you have maintained status. You can stay in Canada and keep working under the conditions of your old permit, with the same employer if it is employer-specific, until IRCC decides. If you leave Canada, you can return, but you may come back only as a visitor and you cannot work until your extension is approved.

Can I extend a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?

No. A PGWP is issued once and cannot be extended or renewed. Before it ends, look at a work permit with an employer, a spousal open work permit if your spouse qualifies, or permanent residence, for example through Express Entry. If you are on maintained status in another application, ask about your options before you travel. See our PGWP page.

How do I extend a spousal open work permit?

A spousal open work permit depends on your spouse's status, so it is usually extended together with, or after, your spouse's own permit or study permit. You apply with the same form (IMM 5710) and pay the $155 fee plus the $100 open work permit holder fee. No LMIA is needed. Include proof of your relationship and your spouse's current permit. See our guide to the spousal open work permit.

Can I change employers while my extension is pending?

Not on an employer-specific permit. You may work only for the employer and under the conditions named on your current permit, and you need a new work permit to work for a different employer. An open work permit lets you work for most employers in Canada.

What happens if my work permit extension is refused?

Your maintained status ends on the date of the decision and you must stop working under the old permit. Read the refusal letter for the reason. If your permit expired less than 90 days ago you may be able to apply to restore your status, otherwise you may need to leave Canada or apply for a different permit. Our article on work permit refusals and LMIA issues covers common reasons and next steps.

What is the difference between a work permit extension and a new work permit?

An extension keeps the same type of permit and, for employer-specific permits, the same employer and conditions. You need a new work permit if you change employer, change to a different permit type, or apply after your status expired more than 90 days ago. Both use the $155 fee, plus the $100 open work permit holder fee for open permits, but only a valid extension filed before expiry gives you maintained status.

Can I apply for a work permit extension from outside Canada?

No. Extensions are filed from inside Canada. If you are outside Canada when your permit expires, you apply for a new work permit instead, and maintained status does not apply.

What happens when the extension is approved?

IRCC issues a new work permit document, sometimes with a letter first. You can keep working under the new conditions once approved. Keep your approval and application receipt, because border officers and employers may ask for them when you travel or update HR records.

Deep Dives on Work Permit Extension

Step-by-step articles covering specific scenarios.

IMM 5710 Form: Download, Complete, Upload

How to complete the IMM 5710 application to extend your work permit or change its conditions.

Read article

Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada

Who qualifies for a spousal open work permit and how it ties to your spouse's status.

Read article

Work Permit Refused: LMIA Issues and Reapplying

Common reasons a work permit is refused and what to do next.

Read article

Other Extension Types

Study Permit Extension

About 2 months (60 days per IRCC, October 1, 2026) inland. Apply at least 30 days before expiry

Keep studying without a gap. IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your permit expires; applying earlier gives you room if IRCC asks for more documents.

Learn More

Visitor Visa Extension

Approximately 385 days, about 12.5 months (IRCC, October 1, 2026) - Apply well in advance

To extend a visitor visa, you apply for a visitor record from inside Canada. 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.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.