Work Permit Expired: What to Do

Overview

Use this guide if you are already in Canada and your work permit has expired, is about to expire, or you are unsure whether you still have status. Timing matters: the rules for maintained status and restoration are different.

Common situations

I applied before expiry and am waiting

You may have maintained status. Compare the permit expiry date with the date IRCC received your extension. Details: Maintained Status for Workers.

Permit expired and I have not applied

You have likely lost worker status. Stop working. Calculate whether you are still inside the 90-day restoration window. See Restore Worker Status.

I thought a draft protected me

A draft in the portal is not a submitted application. If IRCC did not receive a filing before expiry, treat this as loss of status.

My employer wants me to keep working anyway

Unauthorized work can create serious immigration problems. Do not work without status or other clear authorization.

First check: did you file before expiry?

Compare two dates only:

1. Expiry date on your work permit
2. Date IRCC received your extension (confirmation / fee receipt)

If (2) is before (1), maintained status may apply. If not, restoration rules usually apply.

If you still have maintained status

You may stay in Canada while waiting and can usually keep working under the conditions of your original work permit until IRCC decides. Travel while waiting carries re-entry risk.

If you already lost status

• Do not work until restored and authorized again
• You may apply to restore within 90 days if you still qualify
• You generally apply to restore and for a new work permit
• Confirm fees and document requirements on IRCC
• Approval is not guaranteed

What this means in practice

• Save every IRCC receipt; the receipt date is evidence of timely filing.
• Tell your employer the truth about authorization—do not “bridge” with unauthorized work.
• Family members may each need their own status applications.
• Leaving Canada after loss of status can complicate return; get advice before travel.

When to get help

Seek help urgently if you are inside or near the 90-day window, already worked after expiry, need a new LMIA or employer change, or are unsure whether your pending application was received on time.

Next steps by path

On-time extension pending: keep proof of filing, follow original work conditions, track the decision.

Already expired: stop working, start a restore + new work permit package if still within 90 days, and confirm live IRCC checklists and fees.

Related guides

• Work Permit Extension in Canada
• Restore Worker Status
• Maintained Status for Workers
• Can I Stay After My Permit Expires?

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

• Confirmed the expiry date on your work permit
• Checked whether an extension was submitted before that date
• Stopped working if you lost status (expired before applying)
• Confirmed current restoration and work permit fees on IRCC
• Gathered documents for extend or restore using IRCC’s worker checklist
• Checked employer / LMIA / exemption requirements if applying again
• Drafted an explanation if status was already lost

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep working after my work permit expired?

Not if you lost status because the permit expired before you applied to extend. You must not work without authorization. If you filed an extension before expiry, maintained-status rules may allow continued work under your original conditions.

How long do I have to restore my status?

IRCC generally cites 90 days to apply to restore temporary resident status. Do not wait until the last day without a complete package.

What fees apply for restoration?

Confirm the restoration fee and new work permit fee on IRCC’s fee list before you pay. Fees change; do not rely on outdated amounts.

Is restoration approved if I apply within 90 days?

No. Meeting the deadline lets you apply; officers still assess the full application. Approval is not guaranteed.

Can I stay in Canada while restoration is processing?

You may be able to remain in Canada while the application is processed, but staying is not the same as working. Do not work until you are authorized again.

What if I applied for a different permit before expiry?

The type of application matters. Maintained status and work authorization depend on what you filed and when IRCC received it. Compare dates carefully.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Work Permit Extension in Canada
• Restore Worker Status
• Maintained Status for Workers

References

1. Extend your work permit or change conditions
2. Restore your status
3. Temporary residents: Maintained status
4. Can I stay after my permit expires if I applied for a new one?

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.