Work Permit Extension
Extend or Change Your Work Permit in Canada
If your work permit will expire soon, your job conditions are changing, or you want to work for a different employer, you may need to apply for a new work permit or an extension before your current authorization ends.
30 DaysIRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry
$155current work permit / extension fee
$100 Extraopen work permit holder fee where applicable
Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Apply if your current permit will expire and the employment will continue.
- A new application is normally required when changing employer, job, duties, wage or other permit conditions.
- The employer must first complete any required LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer-compliance steps.
Open Work Permit
- An open work permit can only be extended if you continue to qualify under a current IRCC category or public policy.
- Having an existing open work permit does not automatically create a right to another one.
- Passport validity can limit how long a new permit is issued.
Maintained Status
If IRCC receives an eligible extension or change-of-conditions application before your current work permit expires, you may remain legally in Canada while the application is processed.
If you are eligible to continue working during maintained status, you must respect the conditions that apply to your situation until IRCC makes a decision.
Changing employers: normally, an employer-specific work permit holder cannot begin working for a new employer until the new permit is approved. However, eligible workers already in Canada who submit a new employer-specific work permit application may request separate IRCC authorization to begin the new job while the application is processing.
Travel caution: leaving Canada while a work permit extension is pending can affect your ability to work when you return. If IRCC has not yet approved the extension, you may be allowed to re-enter only as a visitor and may have to wait for the new work permit before working again.
Restoration After Work Permit Expiry
If your status has already expired, you must normally stop working immediately. In many cases, you may apply within 90 days to restore your status and obtain a new work permit if you meet the restoration requirements.
$155work permit / extension
$401.25restore worker status + new work permit
+$100if applying for an open work permit
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