How to Extend Your Work Permit in Canada (2026 Guide)

If you are working in Canada on a temporary work permit, keeping track of your permit’s expiry date is essential. Many newcomers rely on their work permits to build careers, gain Canadian work experience, and support their families.

 

The good news is that many workers can extend their work permits without leaving Canada. By applying before your permit expires, you may be able to maintain your legal status and continue working while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your application.

 

This guide explains who can extend their work permit, when to apply, and how the extension process works.

Official IRCC resource:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend/apply.html

 

Why You Should Extend Your Work Permit Before It Expires

Applying to extend your work permit before the expiry date is extremely important.

If you apply on time, you may qualify for maintained status. Maintained status allows temporary residents to stay in Canada and continue working while IRCC processes their extension application.

 

Benefits of applying early include:

• You remain legally in Canada

• You can continue working

• Your employer can keep you employed

• You avoid losing your immigration status

If you wait until your permit expires, you may need to apply for restoration of status, which can be more complicated.

 

Who Can Apply to Extend a Work Permit in Canada?

You may be eligible to extend your work permit if:

• You are currently in Canada

• Your work permit has not expired

• You want to continue working

• You still meet the requirements of your job

• Your employer follows immigration rules

In some cases, your employer must also provide additional documents such as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submit a job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal.

 

Types of Work Permits That Can Be Extended

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Employer-specific work permits allow foreign workers to work only for the employer listed on the permit.

The permit typically includes:

• Employer name

• Job location

• Job position

• Employment duration

If you want to continue working for the same employer, you can apply to extend the permit.

If you want to change employers, you must apply to change the conditions of your work permit.

 

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows workers to work for almost any employer in Canada.

Common open work permits include:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• Spousal Open Work Permit

• Bridging Open Work Permit

• International Experience Canada (IEC)

Some open work permits can be extended depending on your situation.

 

When Should You Apply for a Work Permit Extension?

IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your permit expires.

Applying early ensures you qualify for maintained status and avoid losing your work authorization.

Waiting too long could interrupt your employment and create immigration complications.

 

What Is Maintained Status?

Maintained status allows temporary residents to legally remain in Canada while waiting for a decision on their application.

If you apply before your work permit expires, you may continue working under the same conditions until IRCC decides on your extension.

For example:

If your work permit expires on August 1 and you apply on July 10, you can continue working after August 1 while waiting for a decision.

However, there are rules:

• You must stay in Canada

• You must follow the same work conditions

• You must have applied before the expiry date

Leaving Canada during this period may affect your ability to continue working.

 

Documents Needed for a Work Permit Extension

When applying for a work permit extension, you must submit supporting documents.

Typical documents include:

• Valid passport

• Current work permit

• Employment letter or job offer

• LMIA (if required)

• Employer compliance documentation

Additional documents may be requested depending on your case.

 

How to Apply to Extend Your Work Permit

Most applicants apply online through IRCC.

 

Step 1: Create an IRCC Online Account

You must create an account using GCKey or a Sign-In Partner.

 

Step 2: Complete the Application

Fill out the application form with details about your:

• Job

• Employer

• Immigration status

• Personal information

 

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents.

Incomplete applications may delay processing.

 

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The standard work permit extension fee is $155 CAD.

Some applicants must also pay an additional $100 open work permit fee.

 

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once submitted, you will receive confirmation in your IRCC account.

You can track your application status online.

 

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the type of application and the number of requests IRCC receives.

You can check current processing times here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

 

What Happens if Your Work Permit Has Expired?

If your permit has expired, you may apply to restore your status within 90 days.

However:

• You must stop working

• You must remain in Canada

• You must pay additional fees

Because of this, it is always best to apply before the expiry date.

 

Final Thoughts

Extending your work permit allows you to continue working legally in Canada and avoid interruptions to your career.

By applying before your permit expires, you can maintain your status and continue working while IRCC processes your application.

Planning ahead and preparing your documents early can make the extension process much smoother.