How to Extend Your Work Permit in Canada

By extending your work permit, you ensure that you can legally continue working in Canada without any interruptions and fully comply with Canadian immigration laws.

A Canadian work permit is essential for anyone seeking employment in Canada, as they legally authorize individuals to work within the country. It is crucial not only to obtain a work permit but also to meet all the conditions outlined in the permit during your stay. Furthermore, it is important to stop working immediately if your permit work permit expires to avoid any legal complications.

Also, by extending your work permit, you ensure that you can legally continue working in Canada without any interruptions, fully complying with Canadian immigration laws. This legal continuity is crucial for maintaining your career progression and personal development.

Extending your work permit offers numerous benefits, such as continued employment and stability, which are essential for building a successful future in Canada. Additionally, gaining qualified Canadian work experience can pave the way for applying for Canadian permanent residency in a few years, opening up even more opportunities for your long-term career and life in Canada.

1. Find A New Job in Canada

One of the primary ways to extend your work permit in Canada is by securing a new job. If your current work permit is nearing its expiration or if you need to change the conditions of your permit, obtaining a new job offer can facilitate this process. Here’s how you can navigate this path:

Applying for a New Job

Securing a new job can be a straightforward way to extend your work permit. Once you have a new job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply to extend your work permit. This involves submitting a new work permit application that reflects the details of your new employment.

You might not have to wait for your work permit application to be approved before starting a new job or working for a new employer. You can ask for authorization to work while your application is being processed.

Additionally, if you are an open work permit holder you have the flexibility to change employers at any time as long as your permit remains valid.

When changing employers, it is important to keep in mind that the company hiring you needs to determine if they require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If an LMIA is necessary, the employer must apply for it from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

If the new employer does not need an LMIA, they must submit a new offer of employment and pay the employer compliance fee. Unfortunately, not all companies are willing to pay these fees, or the company or job may not meet the requirements to obtain an LMIA.

Therefore, it is crucial to discuss these aspects with your prospective employer to ensure they can meet the necessary obligations for your work permit extension.

2. Bridging Open Work Permit

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows individuals to continue working in Canada and preserve their temporary resident status,while they await the processing of their permanent residency application. This permit helps bridge the gap between the expiration of a current work permit and the final decision on a permanent residency application, ensuring that applicants can maintain their employment status without interruption.

One of the main advantages of a Bridging Open Work Permit is that it allows for a seamless transition between your current work permit and your future permanent residency status. This means you can continue working without any interruptions while your permanent residency application is being processed.

As it is an open work permit you are not tied to a specific employer. You can change jobs, employers, or locations within Canada without needing to apply for a new work permit each time you make a change.

Also holding a BOWP ensures that you remain in compliance with Canadian immigration laws. This is particularly important to avoid any gaps in your employment history, which can affect your eligibility for certain benefits and opportunities.

Requirements and Application Process

To be eligible for a BOWP, you must meet certain criteria, including having a valid work permit at the time of application and having already applied for permanent residency under one of the eligible programs. The application process involves submitting the appropriate forms and documentation to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

3. Get a Working Holiday Visa from International Experience Canada (IEC)

Another option is the Working Holiday Visa which is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This visa offers young people from partner countries the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for a limited time. This visa is an open work permit, allowing holders to work for any employer in Canada and in almost any type of job. The main objective of the Working Holiday Visa is to provide young travellers with the chance to gain valuable work experience while exploring Canada.

If your current work permit is about to expire and you are from one of the partner countries, you could apply for this type of visa. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of one of the countries that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada and meet the age requirements.

The visa is typically valid for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the agreements between countries. The open nature of the work permit means participants can change employers and locations without needing to apply for a new permit.

There are different paths available for you to continue working in Canada and to extend or renew your work permit. Whether it’s through securing a new job, applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit, or exploring options like the Working Holiday Visa, you can find a solution that fits your needs.

Keeping your work permit valid and staying legally employed in Canada will improve your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. It also ensures you remain in compliance with immigration laws, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues.

Your current status, personal profile, and life goals will determine the best path for you. Some people may benefit from consulting with an immigration lawyer to explore the best options based on their unique circumstances and history in Canada.

Ready to Find Out Your Best Option? Take the first step towards extending your stay in Canada. Fill out our free online assessment to see if you are a good candidate to extend or apply for a new work permit.