On This Page, You Will Find:
- When and why to extend or change your work permit
- How maintained (implied) status works
- A step-by-step guide to applying
- Restoration of status if your permit has expired
- Changing employers or conditions
- Fees and processing times
- Frequently asked questions
Extending or changing your work permit on time is essential to keeping legal status and staying employed in Canada. Whether you want more time with your current employer, need to switch jobs, or are moving toward permanent residence, applying correctly – and early – protects your ability to keep working.
When and Why to Extend or Change
You may need to act if your permit is nearing its expiry date, you are changing employer or occupation (which usually requires a new employer-specific permit), or your circumstances have changed (for example, you now qualify for an open work permit). The single most important rule is timing: apply before your current permit expires.
Maintained (Implied) Status
If you apply to extend or change your work permit from inside Canada before your current permit expires, you benefit from maintained status (previously called implied status). This lets you keep working under the same conditions while you wait for a decision. If you apply even one day after your permit expires, you lose this protection and are no longer authorised to work. Because within-Canada processing can take many months, applying roughly 90 to 120 days before expiry is strongly recommended. Note that if you leave Canada while on maintained status, you may be re-admitted as a visitor but generally cannot work until your new permit is issued.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Step 1 – Check your expiry date and start early (90–120 days ahead).
- Step 2 – Confirm the basis for your new permit – for an employer-specific extension, ensure a valid LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer is in place; for a change of employer, your new employer completes their part.
- Step 3 – Gather your documents – passport, current permit, job offer or offer-of-employment number, and any supporting evidence.
- Step 4 – Apply online through your IRCC secure account (Guide 5553 covers within-Canada applications) and pay the fees.
- Step 5 – Give biometrics if requested and respond promptly to any IRCC requests.
For the full application process from scratch, see our step-by-step work permit guide.
Restoration of Status
If your permit has already expired, you may be able to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of the expiry date. This combines a new work permit application with a restoration fee (currently CAD $229) on top of the standard work permit fee. Importantly, you cannot work during the restoration period until your status and permit are restored. If you miss the 90-day window, you must leave Canada.
Changing Employers or Conditions
If you hold an employer-specific work permit and want to change employer, job or location, you generally need to apply for and receive a new work permit before starting the new role. Open work permit holders have more flexibility and can usually change employers freely, subject to any restrictions on their permit. Public policies occasionally allow eligible workers to begin new employment sooner, so check the current rules before relying on them.
Working in Quebec: Special Considerations
Working in Quebec involves unique considerations due to the province’s distinct immigration policies. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application process in Quebec includes an additional step: obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the Quebec government before applying for an LMIA. This certificate ensures that your employment supports the province’s labour market needs.
For extension of work permit in Quebec, the process may differ slightly from other provinces. You must renew both your CAQ and work permit, ensuring that all Quebec-specific requirements are met. It’s important to stay informed about any updates to Quebec’s immigration policies to avoid delays.
For detailed guidance and additional resources, consult:
Fees and Processing Times
The work permit fee is CAD $155 (plus the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee for open permits), with biometrics usually CAD $85 and a restoration fee of CAD $229 if applicable. Within-Canada extension processing times have been lengthy – in early 2026, roughly eight months in some cases – which is why applying well ahead of expiry matters. Check IRCC’s official processing-times tool for the current estimate.
Changing Your Work Permit
Changing your work permit is necessary when there are significant changes to your work conditions, such as switching employers, getting a new job offer, or changing roles within the same company. It’s important to understand that you cannot start your new job until you have received your new work permit that reflects these changes.
Starting a new job without the proper permit can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and bans on re-entering Canada. Both the employee and employer must ensure compliance with immigration laws to avoid these penalties.
Switching Employers
If you receive a job offer from a new employer, you must apply for a new work permit before starting your new role. This involves submitting a new application and obtaining approval.
Changing Roles
If your job duties or position within the same company change significantly, you may need to extend your work permit to reflect these new responsibilities.
New Job Offer
Accepting a new job offer requires a permit that matches your new employment details. Ensure you have all required documents from your new employer before applying. Always apply for a change to your work permit before making any job changes to maintain your legal work status and ensure a smooth transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep working while my extension is processed?
Yes, if you applied from inside Canada before your permit expired. This is called maintained status, and it lets you continue working under the same conditions until IRCC decides your application. If you applied after your permit expired, you cannot work.
What happens if my work permit expires before I apply?
You lose your status and cannot work. You may apply for restoration of status within 90 days of expiry, paying a CAD $229 restoration fee plus the work permit fee, but you cannot work until your status is restored. After 90 days you must leave Canada.
How early should I apply to extend my work permit?
Apply well before your expiry date. While the minimum is to apply before the permit expires, most experts recommend 90 to 120 days ahead to allow for document requests and long processing times.
Can I change employers on my work permit?
If you have an employer-specific permit, you normally need a new permit before working for a different employer. Open work permit holders can usually change employers freely. Confirm whether any public policy lets you start sooner before relying on it.
Does leaving Canada affect my maintained status?
Yes. If you travel outside Canada while on maintained status, you may return as a visitor, but you generally cannot resume working until your new work permit is approved.