Nowadays, people look for a country where they think they might get a good job and a secure future for themselves and their families. Canada
Nowadays, people look for a country where they think they might get a good job and a secure future for themselves and their families. Canada is one the perfect places to work if you have the skills, experience, and knowledge. It has friendly policies and a safe lifestyle, and the best thing is that there is freedom to live because of the laws. This is why most foreign workers want to stay in Canada longer than their actual work permit time, so that they can work and earn well. If you are currently working in Canada and desire to continue working legally, you must apply to extend your work permit before it expires. In this article, we will guide you through the complete process of applying for a work permit extension in Canada in 2025. Moreover, you can understand what documents are required and what things you should avoid.
Who is Allowed to Apply for a Work Permit Extension?
Before applying, you need to ensure that you are eligible to extend your work permit. You can apply for an extension if:
- You are already in Canada on a valid work permit.
- Your job offer is still valid.
- You continue to meet the conditions of your current work permit (such as working for the same employer or in the same job category).
- Submit your application efficiently before your current permit comes to an end
If your work permit has already expired, you may still be able to restore your status, but this involves a separate process and must be done within 90 days of expiry.
What are the Types of Work Permit Extensions?
The Employer-Specific Work Permit
You are only allowed to work with the company whose name is written on your permit. You are not allowed to work for anyone else. To extend this type of work permit, your employer may need to:
- Obtain a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
- Submit a valid Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal.
Make sure you include all updated documents when applying for your Canada work permit renewal, as missing information can lead to delays or refusal.
The Open Work Permit
You are allowed to work with any company in Canada with an open work permit easily without needing any type of job offer or an LMIA. Always check your eligibility before applying for a Canada open work permit extension, as not all programs allow renewals.
When Do You Need to Apply for a Work Permit Extension?
It is best to apply for the work permit extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires. But it is even better to apply earlier, since the processing time can be different for everyone, so applying earlier saves you from delays. If you apply before your current permit ends, you are allowed to keep working under the same rules while you wait for a decision. This is called maintained status (it used to be called implied status).
Process to Apply for Work Permit Renewal
Step 1: Create or Log into Your IRCC Account
First, visit the IRCC website and sign in to your online account or create a new one. With the help of this account, you can apply for an extension and track the progress of your application.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
You have to fill out the form where you will be asked about your current status, employment details, and the reason for your extension. You have to answer all the questions accurately and do not write any wrong information, so that you do not face any delay.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Scan and upload all required documents correctly in the format specified by the IRCC. Make sure that everything is correct as well as complete to avoid delays.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
It is necessary to pay a fee to renew your Canadian work permit. You can easily pay the money online with a credit or debit card through your IRCC account. Furthermore, pay it within the time so that you don’t face any delay in renewal process.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
You must review your application carefully before submitting it to spot errors and correct them. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation letter and the application number. With this application number, you can track your progress on this IRCC website.
Which Documents are Required?
The required documents may be different depending on your situation and the type of work permit. However, most applicants need to provide these documents for work permit renewal:
- A valid passport
- A copy of your current work permit
- Job Offer Letter
- LMIA or employer compliance documentation (if required)
- A digital photo meeting IRCC requirements
- Medical exam results (if applicable)
- Police Certificates
Make sure that all the documents that you provide are up to date.
Common Mistakes Which You Should Avoid
Here are some common errors that can delay or affect your application:
- Applying after your work permit expires
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Not checking if you need a new LMIA
- Uploading documents in the wrong format or poor quality
- Not maintaining valid status in Canada
What if Your Application is Refused?
If your extension is refused, you may have a few options:
- Apply for restoration of status within 90 days of losing your status.
- Leave Canada before the 90-day mark and consider reapplying from outside the country.
- Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to explore your options.
Conclusion
You can easily extend your work permit simply by following the process provided in the article. To prevent delays, apply as soon as possible, follow IRCC regulations, and send in all necessary paperwork. If you are not sure about anything, you can seek the advice of a licensed immigration consultant to advise you and avoid the most common errors.