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Work permits

Work Permit Extension & Restoration

Maintain legal status, avoid gaps, and handle restoration timelines correctly when permits expire.

Understanding extension vs. restoration

These are two distinct processes with very different rules and consequences:

  • Extension — applying to renew your work permit before it expires. If filed on time, you may benefit from maintained status (implied status) and continue working while IRCC processes your application.
  • Restoration — applying to restore your status after it has already expired. You cannot work while a restoration application is pending, and approval is discretionary, not guaranteed.

Maintained status (implied status) explained

Under section R186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, if you apply to extend your work permit before your current permit expires, you are considered to have maintained your status and may continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made. Key points:

  • You must apply before your current permit expires — even one day late disqualifies you from maintained status.
  • You can only continue working under the same conditions as your expiring permit (same employer, same job, same location for closed permits).
  • If your extension is refused, your maintained status ends immediately and you must stop working.
  • Maintained status is not a new permit — it is a legal continuation of your previous authorization while IRCC decides.

When to apply for an extension

IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your permit expires, but given current processing times, applying 3-4 months in advance is strongly advisable. This provides buffer time for:

  • Gathering employer documentation and updated job offers.
  • Employer Portal submissions (for LMIA-exempt permits).
  • Responding to any IRCC requests for additional information.
  • Avoiding last-minute errors that could jeopardize your status.

Restoration of status

If your work permit has already expired, you may apply for restoration of status under section R182 of IRPR. However, restoration is discretionary and subject to strict conditions:

  • 90-day deadline — you must apply within 90 days of losing your status. Applications filed after 90 days are generally refused.
  • No work authorization — you cannot work while your restoration application is pending. Working without authorization is a serious violation.
  • Additional fee — restoration applications require a $229 restoration fee on top of the regular work permit fee.
  • Discretionary approval — officers consider the circumstances of the status loss and whether you meet all other requirements. Restoration is not automatic.

Current fees (as of 2024)

  • Work permit extension: $155 (or $100 for open work permit holder fee if applicable).
  • Open work permit holder fee: $100 (additional fee for open work permits).
  • Restoration of status: $229 (in addition to the work permit fee).
  • Biometrics: $85 (if not previously provided or if expired).

Documents required for extension

  • IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker).
  • Copy of your current work permit.
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your requested permit end date.
  • Updated job offer letter from your employer (for employer-specific permits).
  • Employer Portal offer number (for LMIA-exempt categories).
  • LMIA and LMIA number (for LMIA-based permits).
  • Proof of current employment (pay stubs, employment letter).
  • Supporting cover letter explaining your situation if there are any complexities.

Common refusal triggers

  • Filing after your permit has expired without applying for restoration.
  • Job details on the extension application not matching the Employer Portal submission or LMIA.
  • Selecting the wrong work permit category or exemption code.
  • Missing employer compliance fee payment or expired Employer Portal offer.
  • Insufficient proof that you still meet the requirements of the permit category.
  • Passport expiring before the requested permit end date.

Transitioning between permit types

Extension applications can also be used to transition from one work permit type to another while remaining in Canada. Common transitions include:

  • Employer-specific permit to a different employer (requires new LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer).
  • Employer-specific permit to Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) when PR application reaches eligible stage.
  • PGWP to employer-specific permit when PGWP is expiring.
  • Closed permit to Spousal Open Work Permit if relationship circumstances change.
Don't wait until the last minute

The most common and avoidable problem is late filing. Once your permit expires without a pending application, your options narrow significantly, you lose the right to work, and you face additional fees and uncertainty. Start planning your extension at least 3-4 months before expiry.

How we help

We review your current permit, assess your extension or restoration options, coordinate employer documentation and portal submissions, prepare a complete application package, and ensure your filing is submitted before critical deadlines. We also advise on long-term status strategy, including transitions to BOWP, PGWP extensions, or other pathways aligned with your PR goals.