Work permit renewal in Canada
Renewing a Canadian work permit involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to extend the authorization to work in Canada. Applicants must generally maintain their status by applying before the current permit expires.
It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before the current permit expires. Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of work permit and the applicant's location, so checking current processing times on the official IRCC website is standard practice.
Start 30 days ahead
Applying at least 30 days in advance helps ensure that implied status remains in effect if the application is submitted before the permit expires.
The process
- 1Verify eligibility for an extension based on current employment and permit conditions.
- 2Gather required documentation, which may include a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment number, depending on the permit type.
- 3Log in to or create a secure IRCC account to complete the online application.
- 4Pay the required processing fees through the online portal.
- 5Submit the application electronically and retain the submission confirmation.
What to bring
- Valid passport or travel document
- Current work permit details
- Proof of employment or a new employment offer
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if applicable
- Digital photographs meeting specific requirements
Who handles it
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/extend.html
Fees vary based on the specific work permit category; confirm the current fee schedule on the IRCC fee list page.
What commonly goes wrong
- Allowing the permit to expire before submitting an application, which may lead to loss of status.
- Failing to include all required supporting documents, which can result in processing delays or rejection.
- Inconsistent information between the work permit application and the employer's provided documentation.
- Ignoring changes to permit conditions or work authorization restrictions.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- Extend your work permit: How to apply canada.ca
Other documents in Canada
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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