How to Renew Your Work Permit While in Canada

A Canadian work permit is a crucial document that authorizes you to work in Canada for a specified period. To obtain one, you must secure a job with a Canadian employer that has received a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment allows the employer to hire international workers for positions that Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot fill.

With a Canadian work permit, you can travel within the country, obtain visas for family members, earn a good income, and potentially pursue permanent residency.

If you currently hold a Canadian work permit and want to renew it while in Canada, this guide is for you. We will walk you through the steps to renew your work permit and provide additional relevant information.

Key Considerations for Renewing a Work Permit

Before proceeding with the renewal process, it’s important to understand that Canadian visa officers may impose specific conditions on temporary work permits. These conditions can include:

• The duration of the permit’s validity
• The type of work you are allowed to perform
• The specific employers you are permitted to work for
• The geographical locations where you can work
• Restrictions on certain days or times when you can work

Additionally, all work permit holders must adhere to the following requirements:

• You may not work for or extend your employment with an ineligible employer or one on the list of ineligible employers.
• You may not work for or extend your employment with companies offering services like stripteases, escort services, erotic massages, or erotic dances.

Violating these rules can result in the revocation of your work permit. However, visa officers’ ability to impose these conditions may be modified in cases where the applicant is eligible for an open work permit or requires a medical examination.

How Long is a Canadian Temporary Work Permit Valid?

Typically, Canadian work permits are valid for 1-2 years. However, visa officers can adjust the validity period based on the following factors:

• The expiration date of your passport or travel document (work permits will not be issued beyond your passport’s validity, with few exceptions).
• Your financial means to support yourself in Canada.
• The intended duration of your stay.
• The validity of your LMIA or Certificat d’acceptation de Quebec, if applicable.
• The expected length of your employment.
• The maximum validity period allowed under relevant programs or agreements.

If all conditions are met, visa officers will grant the longest possible validity period based on these factors.

Extending Your Work Permit in Canada

If your work permit is approaching its expiry date or you need to change its conditions, you must apply for a renewal or modification. It is crucial to submit this application at least 30 days before your current work permit expires. If you apply before the expiry date, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada while your application is being processed.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit Renewal in Canada?

You should apply for a renewal if you:

• Want to extend your work permit.
• Need to change the terms of your work permit, such as the type of job, employer, or location where you can work.
• Have restrictions on your work permit that you want to modify (e.g., removing restrictions after completing a medical examination).
• Need to update your gender information on your work permit.

For employer-specific permits, you must apply to extend or modify your work permit in the following scenarios:

• Your current job is extended.
• There are changes to your job, such as salary adjustments or additional duties.
• You receive a new job offer.
• You intend to work for a different employer.

How to Apply for a Work Permit Renewal in Canada

You can apply online to renew or extend your work permit. To maintain your status and stay in Canada until your application is processed, you must:

1. Apply Online: Online applications are preferred as they allow you to know if your application is complete before submission. You’ll also receive a letter (WP-EXT except PGWP) that permits you to continue working under the same conditions as your current permit. Online applications are faster and more efficient, with no courier fees or mail delivery times. Additionally, you can submit additional documents online if needed and receive updates on your application’s status directly.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents for your application. You’ll need a scanner or camera to create digital copies.
3. Answer the Questions: Read the instruction guide carefully before applying. Answer the questions on the screen accurately, as your answers will generate a personalized document checklist.
4. Pay the Fees: Pay the required fees online using your debit or credit card. Fees include processing costs for you and any family members included in your application. After creating your account, you can track your application through the online portal.

Conclusion

If your Canadian work permit is nearing its expiration date, it’s essential to renew it or modify its conditions if necessary. This guide has outlined the steps to renew your work permit while still in Canada. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth renewal process, allowing you to continue working in Canada without disruption.