Work Permit Extension in Canada

Overview

If you need more time to work in Canada—or otherwise remain authorized as a worker—apply to extend your work permit before it expires. Filing on time is what separates maintained status from restoration.

Common situations

Same employer, same job, need more time

Apply early with updated employment proof. Employer-specific permits usually need matching job details and any required LMIA or exemption evidence.

Changing employers or conditions

Changing employers on an employer-specific permit is not the same as a simple extension. See Change Employer on a Work Permit.

Open work permit or PGWP nearing expiry

Confirm whether a further work permit is available for your category. PGWP is generally a one-time authorization; later options may be a different work permit pathway, not a “PGWP extension.”

Permit already expired

Stop assuming extension rules apply. See Work Permit Expired and Restore Worker Status.

When to apply

IRCC expects you to apply before the expiry printed on your work permit if you want maintained status while waiting.

Practical rule: treat 60–90 days before expiry as your planning window for employer documents, fees, biometrics (if needed), and submission confirmation.

What you generally need

Use IRCC’s document checklist for extending or changing conditions as a worker. Typical items include:

• passport / identity documents
• current work permit
• job offer or employment confirmation (especially for employer-specific permits)
• LMIA, LMIA exemption letter, or open-work-permit eligibility proof when required
• proof you can support yourself
• explanation of why you need more time

Confirm the live checklist inside your IRCC account.

Fees

Confirm the work permit fee on IRCC’s fee list before you pay. Restoration fees apply only if you restore after losing status—not for an on-time extension.

After you submit (maintained status)

If IRCC received your extension before expiry:

• you may stay in Canada while waiting
• you can usually keep working under original conditions until a decision arrives

Details: Maintained Status for Workers and Can I Work While My Work Permit Extension Is Processing?.

If you plan to travel while waiting, read Travel While Permit Extension Is Processing first.

If you miss the deadline

Missing expiry before filing usually means loss of worker status. You may be able to restore within 90 days, but you cannot work without authorization until status is restored and a new work permit is issued. Approval is not guaranteed.

What this means in practice

• Compare IRCC’s receipt date to the expiry on your permit—drafts do not count.
• Keep working only if maintained-status rules apply to your timely filing and original conditions.
• Do not start a new employer-specific job under old closed-permit conditions unless IRCC rules clearly authorize it.
• Build buffer time for employer paperwork; last-day filings create avoidable risk.

When to get help

Get case-specific advice if your permit is nearly expired, your employer or LMIA situation is changing, you hold a PGWP with no clear next pathway, family members also need status, or you may already be past expiry.

Application steps

1. Confirm expiry date and current work conditions.
2. Gather employment and identity documents.
3. Confirm LMIA, exemption, or open-permit eligibility requirements.
4. Submit the extension online before expiry and save the receipt.
5. Continue working only if maintained-status rules apply to your filing.
6. Track the application in your IRCC account.

Common mistakes

• Applying after expiry and calling it an “extension”
• Changing employers without the correct new authorization
• Leaving Canada without a re-entry plan while status is pending
• Assuming processing time estimates are approval guarantees
• Working after loss of status

Related guides

• Maintained Status for Workers
• Restore Worker Status
• Work Permit Expired
• Change Employer on a Work Permit

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

Before you apply

• Checked the exact expiry date on your work permit
• Confirmed you still meet your work permit conditions
• Gathered job offer / LMIA or exemption proof if required for your category
• Prepared passport, current permit, and identity documents
• Confirmed whether you need a new employer-specific or open work permit
• Prepared to submit online and pay the work permit fee (confirm on IRCC)
• Planned to apply well before expiry so IRCC receives it on time

Frequently asked questions

When should I apply to extend my work permit?

Before it expires. Practical planning often starts 60–90 days ahead so documents, employer steps, and fees are ready before the printed expiry date.

Can I keep working while my extension is processing?

If IRCC received your work permit extension before expiry, you may have maintained status and can usually continue working under the conditions of your original permit until a decision is made. See the maintained-status and work-while-waiting guides.

What is the fee to extend a work permit?

Confirm the live work permit fee on IRCC’s fee list before you pay. Restoration fees apply only if you restore after losing status—not for an on-time extension.

Do open and employer-specific permits extend the same way?

Both require an in-Canada application before expiry, but employer-specific extensions often need updated job details, LMIA or exemption evidence, and matching conditions. Open permits (including many PGWP situations) follow their own eligibility rules.

What if my permit already expired?

You may need to restore status within 90 days and you generally cannot work until authorized again. See the expired permit and restoration guides.

Is this legal advice?

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

See also

• Maintained Status for Workers
• Work Permit Expired
• Restore Worker Status
• Can I Work While My Extension Is Processing?

References

1. Extend your work permit or change conditions
2. Temporary residents: Maintained status
3. Restore your status
4. Work permit: Get the right documents

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.