Canada Work Permit Extension – Step-by-Step Guide

If you have a work permit and want to stay longer in Canada, you may need to apply for a work permit renewal. It may look like a lot to do, but don’t worry—this guide will walk you through it step by step.

How can you get your work permit extended? What papers do you need? Here are some helpful hints to make sure your application goes smoothly.

What is Work Permit Extension?

A work permit is a piece of paper from the Canadian government that lets a foreigner officially work in Canada. You will need to ask for an extension if your current work permit is about to run out. The extension lets you keep working under certain terms while your application is being processed by the government.

In Canada, there are two major types of work permits: open work permits and closed work permits that are only given to certain employers. You can work for any company in Canada if you have an open work permit. A work permit that is specific to a company means that you can only work for that employer.

Who Needs to Apply for Work Permit Extension?

You need to ask for an extension on your work permit if:

• You want to keep working in Canada even though your current work permit is about to expire.
• You want to make changes to the terms of your permit, like the company or the place where you work.
• You are in the country on a temporary work permit and want to stay longer without leaving.

Note: If your work permit has already ended, you may still be able to apply to become a worker again, but you have to do this within 90 days of the expiration date.

Top Types of Canada Work Permit Extension:

Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension Canada:

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension Canada is one of the most popular ways for international graduates to keep working after they finish school. With this extension, people can get more work experience in Canada, which is very helpful for applying for Permanent Residency (PR). Although the government has taken short-term steps to extend PGWPs, people who want to apply must make sure that their permits are still good at the time of application. Depending on their job and experience, graduates can make anywhere from CAD 40,000 to CAD 70,000 a year in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades.

Spousal Work Permit Extension Canada:

For people who are traveling with their partner, the Spousal Work Permit Extension Canada is a great way to stay in the country and work. To keep their status, spouses of international students, skilled workers, or PR applications can ask for an extension. This group of jobs pays a wide range of wages, but most people make between CAD 18 and CAD 30 an hour in healthcare, education, IT, and management. Even though you don’t need to have worked in Canada before, having the right qualifications or industry skills makes you more employable and improves your job security.

Temporary Foreign Worker Permit Extension Canada:

A lot of employers in building, healthcare, agriculture, and other fields are helping workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Permit Extension Canada. This makes it possible for foreign workers to keep doing their jobs without losing their jobs. In general, salaries run from CAD 15 to CAD 25 per hour. In skilled trades and healthcare, salaries can go up to CAD 30 to CAD 40 per hour. People who want to apply must have a legal job offer and, most of the time, approval from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This increase helps the Canadian labor market and makes sure that workers can keep their steady jobs.

Bridging Open Work Permit Extension Canada:

People who have applied for Permanent Residency and want to keep working while they wait for a decision can use the Bridging Open Work Permit Extension Canada. The BOWP gives job flexibility across different fields, unlike employer-specific permits. Depending on the job and experience, salaries usually fall between CAD 40,000 and CAD 80,000 per year. People who want to apply for PR must have an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for their entry to be accepted. This extension is very helpful for trained workers who want to keep working while also getting permanent status.

When Should You Apply?

Before your current work permit runs out, you should apply for an extension. You should send in your application at least 30 days before the date it expires. As long as you apply early, you can keep working under the same terms while your extension is being processed.

You might be able to keep working legally while you wait for a decision on your application if you apply before your permit ends. This is also known as “implied status.”

Steps to Apply for a Work Permit Extension:

If you want to extend your work permit in Canada, here are the easy steps you need to take:

1. Gather Required Documents

Make sure you have all the papers you need before you start your application. Usually, these are:

• A copy of the work permit you have now: This lets the Canadian government know that you have been working there properly.
• A valid passport: Your passport needs to be good for as long as you want to stay in Canada. If you’re about to lose your passport, you might need to renew it first before you can ask for an extension.
• Employer-specific work permits need proof that you’re still working for the same company. For example, a letter of employment or contract is enough to show that you’re still working for the same company.
• If you get a job offer letter or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), Some employer-specific work permits need an LMIA, which proves that there are no Canadians or permanent residents who can fill the job.
• Medical tests or police certificates (if needed): Depending on your job and the country you are from, you may be asked to get a medical exam or show a police certificate.

2. Submit an Online Application

Most renewals of work permits are done online. Here’s how to send in your application:

• Create an account: On the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) page.
• You need to fill out the following forms: These will ask you for general information about your job, your status in Canada, and the reason you want to extend your stay.
• Upload the papers that are needed.
• Pay the filing fee. Usually, it costs around CAD 155 to extend a work permit, but this could be different for you.
• Send in your application: Check all of the information again before you click “Submit.”

3. Wait for Processing

You will have to wait for your application to be reviewed after you send it in. Processing times vary, but usually range from a few weeks to a few months. This depends on your case and how busy the IRCC is at the time.

You can keep working under implied status during this time if you applied before your work permit ended. If your application is turned down, though, you will have to stop working right away and might even have to leave Canada.

4. Receive Your New Work Permit

Your new work permit will be sent to you if your stay is accepted. Make sure to carefully read it again to see if there are any new rules or conditions that apply. You’ll need to show this to your boss and immigration officials, so keep it safe.

Check More: Farm Worker Jobs in Canada with Work Visa – Complete Guide

What Happens If You Don’t Apply on Time?

If you don’t ask for an extension before your work permit runs out, you will lose your legal status in Canada and have to stop working right away. But there may still be choices for you:

• Apply to get your status back: You can apply to get your status back if your work permit ended in the last 90 days. There is an extra fee for this, and you will have to explain why you didn’t apply before the deadline.
• Should you not be able to get your status restored, you may need to leave Canada and apply for a new work permit from outside the country.

It is always best to apply early to stay away from these problems.

Tips for a Successful Application:

• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. If you apply at least 30 days before your work permit ends, you can be sure that nothing will go wrong.
• Remember to keep your files up to date: Before you start the application process, make sure your passport is still valid and that you have all the papers you need for the job.
• Check your application again: Small mistakes can slow down your application. Before you send, make sure that all of the information is right and up to date.
• Put the online tools to use: You can get an idea of how long it will take to process your application and check on its progress on the IRCC website. These will help you stay up to date on your application.

Can You Extend Your Open Work Permit?

You might also be able to get an extension if your work permit is still valid. Most of the time, open work permits are given out through special programs, like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for foreign students or the spouse of a skilled worker or student.

It’s pretty much the same process to extend an open work permit as it is to extend an employer-specific work permit. One thing you don’t need, though, is an LMIA or a job offer to ask for an extension.

Conclusion:

It’s easy to get your work permit extended in Canada as long as you know the steps and apply on time. Make sure you have all the papers you need, send in your application before your permit runs out, and keep track of how long it takes to process. You can keep working in Canada without any problems if you follow this plan.

You’ll be able to easily start your extended stay and focus on building your job in Canada if you plan ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions: