A Canadian Work Permit (WP) authorizes foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a set period of time. Unlike permanent residency, it has an expiry date, and once that date approaches or passes, your legal status in Canada may be affected.
If your work permit is nearing expiration or has already expired, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. Can you remain in Canada? Can you continue working? What pathways are available to maintain your legal status?
In this guide, GR Immigration Solutions explains what happens when your work permit expires, how maintained status works, how to apply for a work permit extension, and alternative immigration options.
Maintained Status: Continuing to Work Legally After Your Permit Expires
If you submit your work permit extension application before your current permit expires, you may be eligible to remain in Canada and keep working while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your application. This is known as maintained status (previously called “implied status”).
Under maintained status, you can:
- Stay in Canada legally until IRCC issues a decision.
- Continue working under the same conditions as your expired permit (e.g., same employer and role if it’s an employer-specific permit).
You qualify for maintained status only if:
- Your extension application was filed before your permit expired.
- You are not changing to a different immigration status (e.g., from worker to visitor or student).
- You applied through an inland process using IMM 5710. (Applications made overseas using IMM 1295 or through the IEC program do not grant maintained status.)
If you apply on time but request a change to a different type of status (e.g., worker to visitor), you may remain in Canada while awaiting a decision—but you must stop working as soon as your permit expires.
Maintained status can be an excellent way to avoid interruptions in your employment and legal stay, but strict compliance with IRCC requirements is essential to protect your immigration record.
How Extend Your Canadian Work Permit
If you wish to continue working in Canada, it is essential to apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires. Submitting your application on time not only helps you maintain legal status but may also allow you to keep working under maintained status while your new application is being processed.
How to Apply for a Work Permit Extension – Online Process
Most work permit extensions are submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. The process typically involves:
- Creating an online IRCC account.
- Completing the required application forms.
- Uploading supporting documents.
- Paying the applicable government fees.
While paper applications are possible in rare circumstances, the online process is faster and more efficient.
Eligibility to Extend Your Work Permit
You cannot extend your work permit simply because you wish to work longer. To qualify, you must meet IRCC’s eligibility criteria under current regulations or policies.
To submit an extension request from within Canada, you must:
- Hold a valid work permit at the time you apply.
- Meet the conditions of your current permit (e.g., job type, employer restrictions, or open work eligibility).
Applying early and ensuring you meet all requirements is the best way to avoid interruptions in your employment and maintain your legal status in Canada.