How do I extend my work permit before it expires in Canada?
To extend a Canadian work permit, you must apply to IRCC before your current permit expires. Immigration is federal, so the process is the same regardless of which province you work in.
If you apply for an extension before your permit expires, you benefit from "implied status," which means you can continue working under the same conditions as your existing permit while your extension application is pending. This protection ends if your application is refused or if you did not apply before expiry.
The extension application requires you to demonstrate that you still meet the eligibility requirements for the work permit category — your employer may need to provide a new LMIA or a new LMIA-exempt support letter, and you will need to submit updated documents. If your situation has changed (different employer, different role), a different type of application may be needed.
Missing the expiry date without an extension on file means you lose implied status and fall out of legal status. Restoring status is possible in some cases but adds complexity. The safest approach is to begin the extension process well before the expiry date.
Key takeaways
- Apply before your permit expires to benefit from implied status while waiting.
- Implied status lets you keep working under the same conditions during processing.
- Letting your permit expire without applying removes implied status protection.
- Start the extension process early — don't wait until the last few weeks.