Apply to extend or change conditions before the current permit expires.
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IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry. The legal filing deadline is before the permit expires; an online application must be received before midnight UTC on the expiry date.
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A permit cannot normally be extended beyond passport validity. Renew the passport early if it would shorten the requested permit.
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Use an extension/change application when the current permit will expire, the employer/job/pay/duties/location changes, or a medical restriction should be removed after a new medical exam.
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For LMIA-based work, the employer normally needs the positive LMIA before the worker files unless current IRCC instructions expressly allow another step.
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Upload the new employer documents, LMIA or offer number, explanation, passport and status proof. Pay both restoration and permit fees if status has already been lost.
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A permit extension does not extend the TRV in the passport. If travel is planned, assess the entry visa or eTA separately.
Maintained status can preserve work authorization—but only under exact conditions.
Temporary resident permit holders do not receive maintained status through the ordinary extension rule.
Filing requirement
Submit an eligible in-Canada extension/change application before the current permit expires and remain in Canada while IRCC processes it.
Employer-specific permit
Normally continue only for the same employer, occupation and location under the old permit conditions.
Open work permit
Normally continue open work under the old restrictions while the eligible open-permit extension remains pending.
WP-EXT proof
Most online applicants receive a WP-EXT letter. The printed 365-day date is evidence, not a refusal date; eligible work may continue beyond it while the application is still pending.
Paper proof
Keep the application copy, fee receipt and courier/delivery evidence if no automated letter is issued.
Wrong application
Applying for visitor status or a study permit permits work only until the existing work permit expires; it does not continue work afterward.
Services
A SIN may expire with the permit but can still be used for authorized maintained-status work. Updating the SIN, health card or driver’s licence often requires the new permit.
A new employer-specific permit is normally required before starting a new job.
- 01
An employer-specific permit holder may continue only the old authorized job while a new application is pending. Filing the application alone does not authorize work for the new employer.
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After filing the new employer-specific permit application, an eligible worker in Canada may request interim work authorization through the IRCC web form using code PPCHANGEWORK2020.
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Include the application number, new employer details and exact prescribed request. Wait for IRCC’s authorization email—normally about 10 to 15 days according to IRCC—before starting the new work. The email is temporary authority, not the new permit.
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An open-permit holder may usually change eligible employers while the permit is valid, subject to every printed medical, occupation and location restriction.
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If employment ends on a closed permit, stop working for that employer. Finding a job or receiving an offer does not authorize the new work; obtain the new permit or interim authorization first.
If the permit expired without a timely application, stop working immediately.
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A person who loses worker status normally has 90 days from loss to request restoration and the new work permit, if all restoration conditions and the new permit requirements are met.
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Submit IMM 5710 online, select restoration as a worker, explain the loss of status, include the full new-permit package and pay restoration plus work-permit fees for each affected family member.
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Restoration is discretionary. The applicant may remain while the request is decided but normally cannot work until status and the work permit are approved.
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After 90 days, the ordinary rule is to leave Canada and apply from outside. Do not assume an old or group-specific public policy creates an exception.
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Disclose any unauthorized work completely. Continuing work after expiry can damage later temporary and permanent applications.
A work permit is not a travel document and renewal does not guarantee re-entry.
Entry document
Carry a valid TRV or eTA when one is required. Applying to extend a work permit does not automatically renew a TRV.
Border decision
A permit or approval letter does not guarantee admission; CBSA reassesses identity, admissibility, job and documents.
Leaving while renewal is pending
If the extension is still pending on return, the person may be admitted only as a visitor and cannot resume work until approval. Maintained-status work inside Canada is not portable across the border.
Approved while abroad
If the new permit is approved before return, the person may seek entry as a worker with the approval and job evidence, subject to border examination.
Plan conservatively
Do not travel on an assumption that pending status, an expired TRV or an employer letter will be accepted as work authorization.
Pay the fee that matches the application.
Fees can change. A temporary resident visa, medical exam, police certificate, translation or Québec process may add separate costs.
| Item | Current federal fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit or extension | CAN$155 per person | Pay for each worker application |
| Open work-permit holder fee | CAN$100 in addition to the permit fee | Applies when requesting an open permit |
| Restore worker status and obtain a new work permit | CAN$401.25 | Includes the current restoration fee and work-permit fee; an open-permit fee may also apply |
| Biometrics | CAN$85 individual / up to CAN$170 eligible family | Only when biometrics are required |
| Employer compliance | CAN$230 | Normally paid by the employer for an LMIA-exempt employer-specific offer; the worker must not be charged this fee |
Official sources & application
The practical answer is in this guide; use these links to verify live changes and apply officially.
Ghasedak explains the eligibility, evidence, process and important cautions in plain language. Because laws, forms, fees and filing methods can change, also check the live official instructions on the day you submit. This is general information, not individual legal advice.