Work Permit Extension Canada: Keep Your Status and Keep Working
You can extend your work permit if you are still eligible to work in Canada. Apply before it expires, and you keep your status and can keep working under the same conditions while IRCC decides. We check your dates, your employer steps and your passport before you file.
since 1991
Who can extend a work permit?
You can apply if you want to extend your permit, or change its conditions such as the employer, the job or where you work. Open permit holders can extend if they still qualify for that open permit. Your permit cannot run past your passport expiry date (IRCC).
What does maintained status mean?
If you apply to extend before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada while IRCC decides. In most cases you can keep working under the same conditions as your current permit. See the work permits hub for permit types.
Key rules at a glance
- Timing: IRCC must receive your application before the permit expires. Online applications count by UTC time.
- Online first: in most cases you apply online, and you usually get a work permit extension letter (WP-EXT) unless you hold a PGWP.
- Same job: on maintained status you keep the same employer, job and location if your permit is employer-specific.
- Passport: make sure your passport lasts as long as the permit you request.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Extending fits if
- Your permit is still valid and you want more time.
- Your employer has finished the LMIA or offer of employment steps.
- You are still eligible for your open permit type.
Another route fits if
- You are waiting on PR: a bridging open work permit lets you work while IRCC decides.
- Your permit already expired: you may need to restore your status within 90 days.
- You hold a PGWP: see the PGWP guide, since you cannot get a second PGWP.
Not sure which route fits? Read our open work permits guide, the LMIA work permits guide or the hire a foreign worker guide for employers.
Caregivers can also read our caregivers guide.
Why work permit extensions get refused or fail
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
You applied after expiry
If IRCC receives your application after the permit expires, you may have lost status and need to restore it. You must apply within 90 days of losing status.
The LMIA or offer is not ready
Most jobs need a positive LMIA or an offer of employment first. An exception exists if your permit expires in 2 weeks or less and your employer filed a complete LMIA or CAQ.
Your passport expires soon
IRCC cannot extend your permit past the passport expiry date. Renew your passport before you apply.
You started a new job too early
You cannot work for a new employer or in a new job until IRCC approves the new conditions, unless IRCC gives you an authorization to work.
Wrong application type
Temporary resident permit holders do not get maintained status. Study permit and visitor record applications also do not extend your right to work.
Not sure your dates work?
We read your permit, passport and employer steps before you file.
Extension deadlines you cannot miss
Apply before your permit expires
Online applications must be submitted before midnight UTC on the day your permit expires. Paper applications are counted the day IRCC receives them. Aim to apply well before the end date.
You can file before your positive LMIA or CAQ arrives only if your permit expires in 2 weeks or less and your employer filed a complete application. You must send the missing papers within 90 days, or the file may be refused as incomplete.
If your permit expired and you did not apply in time, you must stop working. You may restore your status and get a new permit if you apply within 90 days, which costs CAD$401.25 with the permit fee. After 90 days you usually must leave and reapply from outside Canada.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How a work permit extension works, step by step
Six stages from your dates to your new permit.
Check your dates
Compare your permit and passport expiry dates. Extend at least 30 days before expiry.
Confirm employer steps
Your employer may need a positive LMIA, or an offer of employment and the compliance fee.
Gather your papers
Collect your passport, permit, job documents and fee receipts.
Apply online
Submit before your permit expires. Select extend or change conditions.
Keep your status
Stay in Canada and keep the same conditions while IRCC decides.
Get your decision
Keep your extension letter or new permit. Plan the next step early.
Extension costs
From IRCC fee pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Work permit extension FAQs
How do I extend my work permit in Canada?
Apply to extend before your permit expires, in most cases online through your IRCC account. Pay the work permit fee and upload the documents on your checklist. If your job needs it, your employer must finish the LMIA or offer of employment steps first.
How early should I apply?
Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires. Check current processing times, because the wait can be longer than your remaining time. You keep maintained status if IRCC receives your application before expiry.
Can I keep working while IRCC decides?
In most cases yes, under the same conditions as your current permit. If you have an employer-specific permit, that means the same employer, job and location. Open permit holders can usually change employers or jobs unless their permit lists conditions.
Can I change jobs or employers on maintained status?
Not on an employer-specific permit. You cannot start with a new employer or a new job until IRCC approves, unless you request and receive an authorization to work. Wait for the new permit before you switch.
What if my LMIA is not ready?
You can file before the LMIA arrives only if your permit expires in 2 weeks or less and your employer submitted a complete LMIA or CAQ application. You must send the LMIA or CAQ within 90 days. If not, your file may be refused as incomplete.
Can I extend my permit past my passport expiry?
No. IRCC cannot extend a work permit beyond the expiry date of your passport. Renew the passport first if it expires soon.
How much does an extension cost?
The work permit fee is CAD$155. Open work permit holders also pay a CAD$100 open work permit holder fee. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
What happens if my permit expires before I apply?
You must stop working. You can apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it, and the cost is CAD$401.25 with the permit fee. After 90 days you usually must leave Canada and reapply. See our restore status guide and the maintained status guide.
Can I extend a PGWP?
No. A PGWP cannot be renewed because you can only get one. See our PGWP guide and our open work permits guide for other options.
Can I travel while my extension is processing?
Be careful. Leaving Canada can affect your ability to work when you return. Check IRCC travel rules or ask us before you go.
Can my family extend with me?
Family members apply on their own applications. Their permit often depends on yours, so file them together when you can. See our spousal open work permit guide.
What if my extension is refused?
You can reapply if you fix the problem, or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.