Work Permit Extensions in Canada: Your Complete Guide

Extension Overview and Critical Timing

Your work permit doesn’t automatically renew. Understanding the difference between extension and renewal can save you months of stress and potential legal complications.

Extension vs. Renewal: What You Need to Know

A work permit extension maintains your current authorization under the same conditions, while renewal often involves reassessing your entire situation. Most temporary workers apply for extensions rather than starting fresh.

What this means for you: If your job, employer, and circumstances haven’t changed significantly, you’re likely looking at an extension process that builds on your existing permit rather than a complete re-evaluation.

The 90-Day Rule That Changes Everything

Apply for your extension at least 90 days before your current permit expires. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s your safety net. Applications submitted within this window allow you to continue working under “maintained status” if your permit expires during processing.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Workers who apply with only 30 days left often face work interruptions when processing takes longer than expected. One client had to stop working for six weeks because they missed the 90-day window, costing them nearly $8,000 in lost income.

Maintaining Legal Status Requirements

Your legal status in Canada depends on having valid authorization at all times. If your work permit expires before you receive your extension approval, you must stop working immediately unless you applied within the 90-day window and qualify for maintained status.

Eligibility Requirements for Extensions

Not everyone qualifies for a work permit extension. Your eligibility depends on several interconnected factors that immigration officers evaluate carefully.

Continued Employment Basis

Your extension must be based on continued employment with the same employer or a similar position. If you’re changing employers or job roles significantly, you may need a new work permit rather than an extension.

What this means for you: Document any changes to your job duties, salary, or employment terms. Minor changes are usually acceptable, but substantial modifications could require a fresh application.

LMIA Validity Considerations

If your original work permit was based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), that assessment must still be valid for your extension. LMIAs typically remain valid for specific periods, and expired assessments require renewal.

Key insight from AVID experts: Many employers assume their LMIA remains valid indefinitely. We’ve seen extensions denied because the supporting LMIA had expired months earlier. Always verify LMIA validity dates before applying.

Exemption Category Maintenance

Workers under LMIA exemptions (like NAFTA, intra-company transfers, or international agreements) must continue meeting the exemption criteria. Changes in your role, company structure, or the underlying agreement can affect your eligibility.

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Officers may scrutinize exemption-based extensions more carefully. Ensure your documentation clearly demonstrates continued eligibility under the original exemption category.

Compliance History Factors

Immigration officers review your compliance with previous permit conditions, including:

• Maintaining legal status throughout your stay
• Working only for authorized employers
• Adhering to any specific permit conditions
• Filing required tax returns and maintaining good standing

Real mistake we’ve seen: A client’s extension was denied because they had briefly worked for an unauthorized employer two years earlier. Even minor compliance issues can impact future applications.

Financial Capacity and Ties to Home Country

While less emphasized than in initial applications, you must still demonstrate financial stability and ties to your home country. This shows you’ll maintain temporary status and eventually leave Canada.

Employment Contract Considerations

Your employment contract should extend beyond your requested permit validity period. Officers want assurance that you have ongoing employment justifying the extension period.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Include a letter from your employer confirming continued employment, unchanged job duties, and their satisfaction with your performance. This proactive documentation strengthens your application significantly.

🔹 Get Extension Eligibility Review

Application Process Steps

The work permit extension process involves specific steps that must be completed accurately and in order. Rushing through any step can delay your application or result in refusal.

Pre-Application Preparation

Before starting your online application, gather all required documents and verify their validity. Missing or expired documents are the leading cause of application delays.

Create your document checklist early: Employment letter, passport copies, permit copies, photos, proof of payment, and any specialized documentation for your permit category. Having everything ready prevents rushed submissions.

Online Application Submission Through IRCC

All work permit extensions must be submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The system guides you through questions that determine your specific requirements.

What this means for you: Answer the eligibility questions carefully. Incorrect answers can lead to wrong application types or missing required documents. Take time to review each question before proceeding.

The Document Upload Process

Upload documents in the exact format specified by IRCC. File size limits, naming conventions, and format requirements are strictly enforced by the system.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applications rejected because documents were uploaded in the wrong format or exceeded size limits. One client’s PDF was 0.1MB too large, causing a three-month delay while they resubmitted.

Fee Payment and Processing

Current work permit extension fees are $155 CAD for the permit plus $85 CAD for the work permit holder fee, totaling $240 CAD. Payment must be made online during the application process.

Important timing consideration: Your application isn’t considered received until payment is processed. Plan for potential payment processing delays, especially if using international payment methods.

Application Tracking and Communication

After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment with your application number. Use this number to track your application status and respond to any requests for additional information.

AVID expert insight: Respond to information requests immediately. Officers often set tight deadlines, and late responses can result in application closure.

Biometrics Requirements

Most work permit extension applicants don’t need new biometrics if they provided them within the last 10 years. However, some cases may require updated biometrics.

If you’re applying from countries requiring biometrics: Check your previous biometrics validity date. Invalid biometrics can delay processing significantly.

Submission Confirmation and Next Steps

After successful submission, download and save your submission confirmation. This document proves you applied before your permit expiry date and may be needed for maintained status verification.

🔹 Download Extension Application Guide

Required Documentation

Your documentation package determines your application’s success. Each document serves a specific purpose in demonstrating your continued eligibility.

Employer Support Documentation

Your employer must provide updated documentation supporting your extension request. This typically includes an employment letter confirming continued employment, job duties, salary, and employment duration.

What makes a strong employment letter:

• Confirms ongoing employment beyond the requested permit period
• Details current job duties and responsibilities
• States current salary and benefits
• Includes employer contact information and authorization signatures

Updated LMIA or Exemption Proof

If your original permit was LMIA-based, provide proof of continued LMIA validity or a new LMIA if the original has expired. For exemption-based permits, demonstrate continued eligibility under the original exemption category.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Include a cover letter explaining how your situation aligns with the original LMIA or exemption. This proactive clarification prevents officer confusion and potential delays.

Financial Capacity Evidence

Demonstrate financial stability through recent bank statements, employment income proof, or other financial documentation. This shows you can support yourself during the extended period.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Clients providing bank statements showing insufficient funds or irregular income patterns. Officers want to see financial stability, not just meeting minimum requirements.

Identity and Status Documentation

Include copies of your passport biographical pages, current work permit, and any other identity documents. Ensure all documents are valid throughout your requested extension period.

If your passport expires soon: Renew your passport before applying for extension. Work permits cannot be issued beyond passport validity dates.

Compliance and Tax Documentation

Some applications benefit from including proof of tax compliance, such as Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency. This demonstrates your commitment to Canadian obligations.

Specialized Documentation by Permit Category

Different work permit categories may require specific additional documentation:

• Intra-company transfers: Updated organizational charts and transfer justification
• NAFTA professionals: Continued professional qualification proof
• International agreements: Updated agreement eligibility documentation

Photography Requirements

Include recent passport-style photographs meeting IRCC specifications. Photos must be taken within six months of application submission.

Document Authentication Considerations

While not always required, some documents may need authentication or notarization. Check specific requirements for your permit category and country of origin.

What this means for you: Have documents professionally translated if not in English or French. Unofficial translations are not acceptable for official immigration applications.

Processing Considerations

Understanding processing realities helps you plan effectively and avoid common pitfalls that delay applications.

Standard Processing Times

Current processing times for work permit extensions vary by application type and processing location. Check the IRCC website for current estimates, but plan for potential delays.

What this means for you: Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Applications submitted during peak periods or requiring additional review may take significantly longer.

Factors Affecting Approval Timeline

Several factors influence how quickly your application is processed:

• Completeness of initial submission
• Need for additional documentation
• Background verification requirements
• Officer workload and seasonal variations

AVID expert insight: Complete applications with clear, well-organized documentation consistently process faster than applications requiring follow-up requests.

Status Maintenance During Processing

If you applied at least 90 days before expiry, you can continue working under “maintained status” until a decision is made. This protection is crucial for avoiding work interruptions.

Important limitation: Maintained status only applies if you applied before your permit expired and met all application requirements. Workers who let their permits expire cannot work, even if they applied for extension.

Background Verification Processes

Some applications trigger additional background checks, especially for applicants from certain countries or in sensitive employment sectors. These verifications can add weeks or months to processing times.

If you’re applying from countries with high refusal rates: Be prepared for enhanced scrutiny and potentially longer processing times. Thorough documentation becomes even more critical.

Communication During Processing

IRCC may request additional information or clarification during processing. Respond promptly and completely to all requests to avoid application closure.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants who partially respond to information requests, thinking they’ve addressed the concern. Officers often close applications when responses are incomplete or don’t fully address their concerns.

Common Extension Challenges and Solutions

Even straightforward extensions can encounter complications. Knowing potential issues helps you prepare and respond effectively.

Expired Permit Scenarios

If your work permit expires before you receive your extension approval, your legal status and work authorization change immediately. You cannot work without valid authorization, regardless of pending applications.

Solution strategy: Apply well before expiry and ensure you meet maintained status requirements. If your permit expires during processing, consult with an immigration expert about your options.

Changed Employment Circumstances

Changes in your employment situation—new employer, different job duties, salary modifications—can complicate extension applications. Some changes may require new permits rather than extensions.

What this means for you: Notify IRCC of significant changes during processing. Failing to report material changes can result in refusal or future immigration complications.

Employer Compliance Issues

Problems with your employer’s compliance with immigration or employment laws can affect your extension eligibility. This includes issues with previous LMIA applications, wage compliance, or employment standards violations.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Workers whose extensions were denied due to employer compliance issues they knew nothing about. One client’s employer had been under investigation for wage violations, affecting all their foreign worker applications.

Documentation Gaps and Errors

Missing signatures, expired documents, incorrect information, or poor document quality are common issues that delay or jeopardize applications.

AVID expert solution: Create a document review checklist and verify every requirement before submission. Small errors often have large consequences in immigration applications.

Processing Delays and Communication Issues

Extended processing times or poor communication from IRCC can create anxiety and planning difficulties. Understanding your options helps manage these challenges.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Maintain detailed records of all application communications and deadlines. This documentation becomes valuable if you need to escalate concerns or seek professional assistance.