Canada Work Permit Extension: How to Extend or Change Your Work Permit

1. What Is a Canada Work Permit Extension?

A Canada work permit extension is an application made by an eligible foreign national in Canada to continue their authorization to work beyond the expiry of their existing work permit.

The same application process can also be used in many cases to request changes to work permit conditions, such as:

• the employer the person may work for;
• the occupation or type of work;
• the authorized work location;
• certain medical-related restrictions; or
• another condition appearing on the existing work permit.

An extension is not automatic. The worker must continue to qualify for a work permit under the applicable immigration rules.

For the broader Canadian work authorization framework, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .

2. Legal Requirements for Renewing a Work Permit

Section 201 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations governs renewal of a work permit.

Under subsection 201(1), a foreign national may apply to renew a work permit if:

• the application is made before the work permit expires; and
• the foreign national has complied with the conditions imposed on their entry into Canada.

Renewal is not based only on filing before the expiry date.

Under subsection 201(2), the officer must also be satisfied that the foreign national continues to meet the work permit requirements in section 200 of the Regulations.

3. When Should You Apply to Extend Your Work Permit?

IRCC currently recommends applying at least 30 calendar days before the existing work permit expires.

The 30-day recommendation provides time for preparation and can reduce the risk created by waiting until the final days of authorized status.

However, it is important to distinguish IRCC's recommended filing time from the legal deadline relevant to maintained status.

Applicants should begin earlier where a new LMIA, employer compliance submission, CAQ or other supporting process is required.

4. Check the Expiry Date Before You Apply

The expiry date printed on the work permit is critical because it normally determines when the work authorization ends and can also correspond to the end of the person's temporary resident status.

Workers should verify:

• the work permit expiry date;
• any separate "must leave Canada by" date;
• passport expiry;
• the expiry of an LMIA or other supporting authorization where relevant;
• employment contract dates; and
• any program-specific maximum duration.

IRCC cannot normally extend a work permit beyond the validity of the applicant's passport.

A passport that expires earlier than the requested period of employment can therefore shorten the duration of a new permit.

5. Maintained Status After Applying for a Work Permit Extension

If an eligible worker submits a qualifying application to extend or change their work permit before the current permit expires, they can legally remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.

This is commonly called maintained status.

In qualifying circumstances, the worker may also continue working without a new work permit until IRCC makes a decision.

The continued work authorization is grounded in paragraph 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

The worker must continue complying with the conditions of the expired work permit, other than its expiry date.

6. What Work Can You Do While the Extension Is Processing?

A worker relying on paragraph 186(u) generally continues working under the conditions of the expired work permit while the extension application is being processed.

Employer-specific work permit

IRCC currently explains that this means continuing with the same:

• employer;
• job; and
• work location.

Open work permit

An open work permit holder can generally continue changing employers, jobs or locations while relying on maintained-status work authorization, subject to any restrictions appearing on the permit.

For the distinction between these permit types, see the Employer-Specific Work Permit Canada guide and the Open Work Permit Canada guide .

7. The UTC Deadline for Online Extension Applications

Applicants filing close to expiry should be aware that IRCC's online application system uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

IRCC states that an online application must be submitted before midnight UTC on the day the work permit expires in order to be received before expiry.

Midnight UTC may occur several hours earlier than midnight in the applicant's Canadian time zone.

8. Extending an Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit authorizes work according to the conditions listed on the permit.

To extend that authorization, the worker may need new employer-side documentation before applying.

Depending on the work permit category, this can include:

• a new positive LMIA;
• a new LMIA-exempt offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal;
• payment of the employer compliance fee;
• a renewed employment agreement or job offer; and
• other program-specific supporting evidence.

The worker must continue to qualify under the applicable LMIA or LMIA-exempt work permit route.

For LMIA-supported employment, see the LMIA Work Permit Canada guide .

For LMIA-exempt employment, see the LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada guide .

9. Can You Extend an Open Work Permit?

An open work permit can be extended only if the applicant continues to qualify for an available open work permit category.

Open work permits are not automatically renewable simply because the current permit is open.

The applicant must establish eligibility under the category supporting the new application.

Examples can include eligible applicants under specific:

• family-related work permit categories;
• permanent residence pathways;
• public policies;
• vulnerable worker provisions; or
• other open work permit authorities.

Eligibility rules can change, so the underlying open work permit category should be reassessed before each extension application.

10. Changing Employers While Extending a Work Permit

A worker with an employer-specific work permit cannot ordinarily begin working for a different employer merely because an application for a new work permit has been submitted.

If the existing permit expires while the new employer-specific application is processing, maintained-status work authorization ordinarily continues under the conditions of the original permit.

That means the worker generally remains tied to the employer named on the previous permit unless another authorization applies.

IRCC currently provides a separate process that may allow eligible workers already in Canada to request authorization to begin working for the new employer while the new employer-specific work permit application is being processed.

11. What if You Lose the Job on Your Employer-Specific Permit?

Losing the employment connected to an employer-specific work permit does not transform that permit into an open work permit.

A worker who wants to work for a new employer generally needs:

1. a new qualifying job offer;
2. a new LMIA or an applicable LMIA exemption, where required;
3. a new employer-specific work permit application; and
4. authorization to begin the new employment.

IRCC currently instructs workers who have lost the job connected to an employer-specific permit to stop working for that employer and not begin working for another employer until authorized.

An eligible worker may request IRCC authorization to begin the new employment while the new work permit is being processed.

12. Can You Extend a Work Permit While the New LMIA Is Pending?

In most LMIA-required cases, the employer should obtain the positive LMIA before the worker files the related work permit extension.

However, IRCC currently provides a limited procedure where the worker's permit is close to expiry and the employer's LMIA application is still being processed.

IRCC states that an extension may be submitted before the positive LMIA decision is available if:

• the worker's permit expires in two weeks or less;
• the employer has already submitted a complete LMIA application; and
• the required supporting documents are later submitted within the applicable deadline.

IRCC currently requires the missing LMIA or CAQ documentation to be provided within 90 days after submission of the extension application.

Failure to provide it within that period can result in refusal because the application is incomplete.

13. Changing the Conditions on a Work Permit

The in-Canada work permit process can also be used to request changes to conditions rather than simply extending the expiry date.

A worker may need a new permit where they want to change:

• employers;
• occupations;
• work locations;
• other employer-specific employment conditions; or
• medical restrictions appearing on the permit.

A worker should not assume that submitting the change application immediately changes the conditions of the existing permit.

Until the new conditions become legally effective, the worker must continue complying with the existing authorization unless a separate IRCC authorization permits the change.

14. Removing Medical Restrictions From a Work Permit

A work permit can contain restrictions preventing employment in certain occupations where the applicant had not completed the required immigration medical examination.

IRCC's extension/change process can be used to request removal of qualifying medical-related employment restrictions after the required medical examination has been completed.

This can be relevant to work in fields such as:

• health services;
• child care;
• primary or secondary education; or
• other occupations for which an immigration medical examination is required.

For the medical examination framework, see the Canada Work Permit Medical Exam guide .

15. How to Apply for a Work Permit Extension

In most cases, IRCC requires a work permit extension or change-of-conditions application to be submitted online.

The general process is:

1. confirm that the applicant remains eligible for the requested work permit;
2. complete any required employer-side process;
3. gather the supporting documents;
4. complete the in-Canada work permit application;
5. pay the applicable fees;
6. submit the complete application before the current authorization expires; and
7. monitor the IRCC account for messages and the decision.

The principal in-Canada form is IMM 5710 — Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker.

For the broader application process, see How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada .

16. Documents for a Work Permit Extension

Required documents depend on the work permit category and the applicant's circumstances.

Common evidence can include:

• passport pages;
• the current work permit;
• evidence of current temporary resident status;
• a new employment offer or contract;
• a positive LMIA where required;
• an LMIA-exempt offer of employment number where required;
• evidence supporting the applicable LMIA exemption;
• evidence supporting eligibility for an open work permit;
• medical examination evidence where relevant; and
• category-specific supporting documents.

The personalized IRCC document checklist should be reviewed together with the legal requirements of the particular work permit category.

See the Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .

17. Canada Work Permit Extension Fees

As of September 2026, IRCC's standard work permit processing fee, including an extension, is $155 per person.

An applicant requesting an open work permit generally pays an additional $100 open work permit holder fee, unless an exemption applies.

Biometrics fees may also apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Fee exemptions exist for certain categories, so the applicable IRCC fee schedule should be checked before payment.

For the broader fee framework, see Canada Work Permit Fees and Biometrics .

18. What Is the WP-EXT Letter?

After an eligible online work permit extension application is submitted, IRCC can issue a WP-EXT except PGWP letter in the applicant's online account.

The letter can be used together with the expired work permit as evidence that the worker is authorized to continue working while IRCC processes the application, if the worker remains eligible.

IRCC currently places an expiry date 365 days after the application was received on this letter.

Applicants who applied after their work permit expired and people applying for their first work permit in Canada are not eligible for this extension proof letter.

19. How Long Does a Work Permit Extension Take?

Work permit extension processing times change and should be checked through IRCC's current processing-time tool.

The published processing time is an estimate, not a guaranteed decision date.

A worker who qualifies for maintained status and continued work authorization does not lose that authorization merely because IRCC processing extends beyond the estimated processing period.

For a detailed explanation of IRCC processing estimates, see Canada Work Permit Processing Time .

20. What if Your Work Permit Expires Before You Apply?

If the work permit and temporary resident status expire before a qualifying extension application is submitted, the worker does not obtain ordinary maintained status by filing late.

IRCC instructs a worker who has lost status to stop working.

Depending on the circumstances, the person may be eligible to apply to restore temporary resident status and obtain a new work permit.

21. Restoring Worker Status After a Work Permit Expires

Under the standard restoration framework, an eligible worker may generally apply to restore status within 90 days after losing it.

IRCC currently states that an applicant for restoration as a worker generally must:

• apply within 90 days after losing status;
• have met the requirements of their stay;
• have complied with the conditions on the expired permit before expiry; and
• qualify for the requested new work permit.

Restoration is discretionary in the sense that filing the application does not guarantee approval.

If the restoration and work permit application is refused, the person will generally need to leave Canada.

22. What if More Than 90 Days Have Passed Since Status Expired?

Under the ordinary restoration rules, a person who has been out of status for more than 90 days and has not submitted a qualifying restoration application generally cannot use the standard restoration process.

IRCC currently instructs such workers to leave Canada and, if they wish to work in Canada again, apply from outside Canada where eligible.

Certain specific public policies or special measures can create exceptions for defined groups, but those exceptions should not be treated as the general restoration rule.

23. Worker Restoration Fees

As of September 2026, IRCC's standard fee to restore temporary resident status as a worker and obtain a new work permit is $401.25.

This consists of:

• $246.25 to restore temporary resident status; and
• $155 for the work permit.

If the requested permit is an open work permit, the open work permit holder fee may also apply.

Biometrics fees can also apply where new biometrics are required.

24. Can You Travel Outside Canada While Your Extension Is Processing?

Leaving Canada while relying on maintained status can affect the person's ability to continue working after returning.

A pending work permit extension also does not replace the travel document required to seek re-entry to Canada.

Depending on nationality and circumstances, the worker may need a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization in addition to meeting the requirements for entry.

Workers should therefore assess both:

• their ability to return to Canada; and
• their authority to resume work after returning.

Travel should not be planned on the assumption that a pending extension application functions as a work permit or travel document.

25. What Happens After IRCC Approves the Extension?

If IRCC approves the application, the applicant receives:

• an extension of the existing work permit; or
• a new work permit containing the approved new conditions.

IRCC currently sends an approval notice to the applicant's online account before the physical permit arrives by mail.

IRCC states that the worker can begin working under the newly approved authorization once the approval note is received and does not need to wait for the physical permit to arrive in the mail.

Once the permit arrives, the worker should review it immediately for:

• name and personal information;
• expiry date;
• employer;
• occupation;
• location; and
• any restrictions or other conditions.

26. What Happens if the Work Permit Extension Is Refused?

If a worker was relying on maintained-status work authorization while the extension was being processed, that authorization ends when IRCC refuses the extension application.

The person should stop working unless another independent legal authorization permits the work.

The next step depends on:

• the reason for refusal;
• the person's current immigration status;
• whether restoration remains legally available;
• whether a new work permit application is possible; and
• whether the refusal raises a reviewable legal or procedural issue.

For refusal analysis, see Canada Work Permit Refusal: Reasons, Reapplication & Next Steps .

27. What if You Apply to Stay as a Visitor or Student Instead?

A worker who applies to change temporary resident category should not assume that the previous work authorization continues indefinitely.

IRCC currently states that if a worker applies to extend their stay as a visitor, they may work only until the existing work permit expires. They cannot continue working after expiry merely because the visitor application is pending.

Similarly, a person who applies for a study permit does not obtain continued work authorization from that study permit application alone.

28. Common Work Permit Extension Mistakes

Waiting until the final day

Last-minute filing creates unnecessary risk, including mistakes involving IRCC's UTC filing deadline.

Assuming the permit renews automatically

The applicant must continue to qualify for the requested work permit.

Starting with a new employer too early

An employer-specific worker generally needs the new permit or applicable interim IRCC authorization before beginning the new employment.

Assuming every pending application allows continued work

Continued work requires a specific legal authorization. A pending visitor or study permit application does not automatically preserve the previous work authorization.

Confusing restoration with maintained status

A worker applying for restoration after losing status generally cannot work while the restoration application is pending.

Ignoring passport expiry

IRCC cannot normally extend a work permit beyond the passport's validity.

Filing without required employer-side steps

A new LMIA or Employer Portal submission may be required before an employer-specific extension can be approved.

Assuming the date on the WP-EXT letter always ends work authorization

IRCC currently confirms that an eligible worker can continue working after the printed date if IRCC has not made a decision and the worker continues to meet the applicable requirements.

29. Work Permit Extension Checklist

30. Canada Work Permit Extension FAQs

How early should I apply to extend my work permit?

IRCC currently recommends applying at least 30 calendar days before the work permit expires. Applicants who need a new LMIA, employer compliance submission or other supporting process should begin preparing earlier.

Can I apply less than 30 days before expiry?

The 30-day period is IRCC's recommended filing time rather than the legal cutoff for maintained status. A qualifying application must be received before expiry to engage the ordinary maintained-status framework.

Can I work after my work permit expires if I applied for an extension?

In qualifying circumstances, yes. If the extension application was submitted before expiry, paragraph 186(u) of the Regulations can authorize continued work while IRCC makes a decision, provided the applicable conditions are met.

Can I continue working for the same employer?

If you qualify for maintained-status work authorization on an employer-specific permit, you generally continue under the same employer, job and work location conditions as the expired permit.

Can I change employers while my new work permit is processing?

Applying for a new employer-specific permit does not itself authorize you to begin working for the new employer. Eligible workers in Canada may be able to request separate IRCC authorization to begin the new employment while the application is processed.

Can an open work permit holder change employers on maintained status?

Generally yes, because the existing authorization is open, subject to any specific restrictions listed on the permit.

What is the WP-EXT letter?

It is a letter IRCC provides to eligible online extension applicants as evidence that they may continue working under the applicable conditions while IRCC processes the application.

Can I keep working after the expiry date printed on my WP-EXT letter?

IRCC currently states that an eligible worker can continue working after the printed date if IRCC has not yet decided the application and the worker continues to meet the applicable requirements.

Can I extend my work permit if my LMIA is still pending?

In limited circumstances. IRCC currently allows certain workers whose permits expire in two weeks or less to file while a complete LMIA or CAQ application is pending, provided the required documentation is submitted within the applicable 90-day period.

What happens if my work permit expires before I apply?

You generally lose ordinary maintained-status protection and must stop working. You may be eligible to apply to restore your status and obtain a new work permit.

How long do I have to restore my status as a worker?

Under the standard restoration rules, an eligible worker generally has 90 days after losing status to apply for restoration.

Can I work while my restoration application is processing?

Generally no. Restoration is different from maintained status. A person who lost worker status must normally stop working and wait until the required status and work authorization are restored.

How much does a work permit extension cost?

As of September 2026, the standard work permit fee is $155. An additional $100 open work permit holder fee generally applies to open work permit applications unless an exemption applies.

How much does restoration as a worker cost?

As of September 2026, the standard combined fee to restore temporary resident status as a worker and obtain a new work permit is $401.25. Other fees may apply depending on the application.

Can I travel outside Canada while my extension is processing?

Travel can affect the ability to continue working after returning to Canada, and a pending application does not replace the travel document required for re-entry. The travel and work authorization consequences should be assessed before leaving Canada.

Can my work permit be extended beyond my passport expiry?

Normally no. IRCC instructs applicants to ensure their passport remains valid for the requested work permit period because the permit cannot normally be extended beyond passport validity.

What happens if my extension is refused while I am working under maintained status?

Maintained-status work authorization ends when IRCC refuses the application. The person must stop working unless another independent legal authorization permits the work.