Practical Guide to Work Permit Extensions

Updated for 2026 — the process below reflects current IRCC requirements.

Going through the complexities of work permit extensions in Canada can be challenging for both employers and foreign workers.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in extending a work permit. It highlights the necessary documentation and offers strategic insights to support your foreign workforce effectively. Understanding work permit applications is also crucial in this context.

Retain skilled talent or manage work permit renewals with this guide. It provides tools to consider factors from when employees started working after arriving in Canada, to their current status.

Let’s dive into the essential aspects of work permit extensions. We invite you to explore how you can ensure a smooth process for your international employees.

Canada offers a vibrant environment for businesses to grow and thrive with the help of skilled immigrants. If you have employees whose work permits are expiring, it’s crucial to extend those permits. This is the way to ensure productivity and compliance with immigration regulations.

Securing the proper authorization to work for your employees is essential to their continued contributions to your company.

This extension serves as the license for your valued team members to continue contributing to your company.

Canada is a great place for immigrants to build their careers. For those who are already in Canada and working, they might need to extend their work permit to continue their stay and employment. This extension acts as the permission to keep working.

This guide will help you understand the differences between an open and closed work permit. Also work permit extension processing times, the application process, fees and how Immigration Pros can support you.

Open Work Permit:

• Flexibility: Can work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions (No job guarantee).
• Fitness: IRCC often gives this permit to spouses and common-law partners of skilled foreign workers.
• LMIA: Open work permits don’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Closed Work Permit:

• Employer Specific Work Permit: Closed work permit ties the foreign worker to a specific employer and position (Job guarantee).
• LMIA: It requires an LMIA based job offer, or an offer of employment through an employer specific stream.

• People with expiring work permits that reside in Canada and applied to extend their employment.
• Individuals who received a new job offer.
• Individuals that have changes in their job conditions.
• Individuals that need to change their gender on the work permit.

Retain skilled talent or manage work permit renewals with this guide. It provides the tools to help you navigate the process, including insights into the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

For Employers:

• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or proof of LMIA exemption
• Job offer letter
• Proof of business legality (e.g., business license, financial statements)
• Compliance with employment standards records

For Foreign Workers:

• Valid passport
• Current work permit
• Job offer or employment contract
• LMIA or LMIA-exemption proof
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
• Medical examination (if required)
• Biometrics (if required)
• Processing fee payment

• Determine If You Qualify: You must meet the requirements for the work permit extension. This means ensuring you have a job offer that meets the requirements for a work permit.
• Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents mentioned in requirements.
• Submit the application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal:

1. Create an account/sign in with the guidance of an immigration consultant.
2. Complete the IMM 5710 application form for a work permit extension with the assistance of an immigration consultant.
3. Upload necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness with the help of an immigration consultant.
4. Pay the respective fees listed, confirming the details with an immigration consultant.

• Biometrics Appointment: In case of needing biometrics, schedule an appointment at the designed biometric collection point. Bring passport and biometric instruction letter.
• Submit application after uploading documents, paying fees, and providing biometrics if needed. Make sure to receive a confirmation of submission from IRCC.
• Wait for Processing: During this time you may receive additional information requests. Make sure to respond and supply all information needed. Processing times vary by permit type and change often — check the current estimate for your case on IRCC’s official processing times tool rather than relying on a fixed number.
• Decision: You will receive a decision on your application with your immigration consultant. If approved, you will receive new work permit by mail.

1. Employee Applied Before Expiry:

a. IRCC Work Permit Extension:

• Worker’s Situation: Employees can keep working under the same conditions until a decision is reached. Open work permit holders can change jobs and employers.
• Employer Action: Confirm with your employee that they have applied for the extension. Continue their employment under the same conditions. Monitor the application status for any updates.

b. New Work Permit:

• Worker’s Situation: Employees may continue working under the original conditions until the processing of the application is complete. They must wait for the application approval before starting the new job conditions.
• Employer Action: Ensure that the employee continues to work under the conditions of the original permit. Plan for the transition once IRCC approves the new work permit. Keep communication lines open to coordinate any changes smoothly.

2. Employee’s Work Permit Has Expired:

a. Restore Work Permit:

• Employee Situation: If the permit has expired they have 90 days to apply for restoration of status. They cannot work during this period — only once IRCC approves the restoration and issues a new work permit.
• Employer Action: Verify the expiration date of the employee’s work permit. Encourage the employee to gather necessary documents and apply for restoration promptly. Be prepared for potential disruptions in their work status during the restoration process.

b. Gather Documents:

• Employee Situation: Employees must collect the required documents, including a copy of the expired work permit.
• Employer Action: Assist your employee in obtaining any employment-related documents needed for the restoration and new work permit application. Provide support and information as necessary.

c. Complete Restoration Application:

• Employee Situation: Employees need to fill out the IMM 5710 form. They should indicate that they are applying for restoration of status, and pay the restoration fee.
• Employer Action: Advise your employee on the importance of accurately completing the application and paying the fee. Offer guidance or refer them to professional services if needed.

d. Submit Application:

• Employee Situation: Employees must submit the restoration application online or on paper through the IRCC portal.
• Employer Action: Confirm that your employee has submitted their application and keep track of the submission date. Maintain records of all communications and submissions for reference.

3. After the 90-Day Window:

a. Leave Canada:

• Employee Situation: If they didn’t apply for restoration in time, they must leave Canada.
• Employer Action: Plan for the potential loss of the employee. Begin the process of finding a replacement or temporary coverage for their role. Ensure compliance with immigration regulations to avoid penalties.

b. Seek Advice:

• Employee Situation: They should seek professional guidance to understand their options.
• Employer Action: Encourage your employee to seek legal or immigration advice. Provide support during this transition period and explore alternative staffing solutions if necessary.

Contact us, as immigration consultants, for information on fees for closed work permits, restoration of status and open work permits.

In conclusion, extending a work permit can be complicated, but with the right guidance it becomes manageable. This guide has covered differences between open and closed work permits, extension requirements, and application steps. Immigration Pros offers personalized support, document preparation and follow-ups to ensure your application is smooth and successful.

At Immigration Pros, we understand the complexities of extending your stay in Canada and retaining your key employees. Our team of experienced consultants provides:

• Personalized Guidance: Tailored advice and support throughout the application process.
• Document Preparation: Assistance in gathering and preparing all necessary documents to ensure a complete and accurate application.
• Application Submission: We handle submission process, ensuring details are correct.
• Follow-Ups: Continuous follow-ups to track the status of your application.
• Multilingual Support: Services in English, Spanish, and French to bridge language barriers and enhance understanding.

When you choose Immigration Pros, you are selecting a partner who puts your immigration goals first. Our team works diligently to ensure a smooth and successful process.

For more information, or to start your application, contact Immigration Pros today.