Work permit in Canada: extensions, changing jobs and the path to PR
This page is for people who already live and work in Canada: how to extend your work permit, change employers, keep your status and move from temporary work to PR.
When to apply for an extension
- on timeapplied before expiry — keep working under the same conditions until a decision
- 120 daysIRCC service standard for applications made in Canada
- $401.25IRCC restoration fee; you can’t work until your status is restored
How we can help
Choose your situation and message us — we’ll reply and tell you where to start.
Work permit extension
We’ll work out your deadlines, check which extension fits your case, and prepare and submit your application.
PGWP after studying in Canada
We’ll check whether you’re eligible for a PGWP, and prepare and submit your application. A PGWP is issued only once, so we’ll plan your move to PR right away.
Changing employers or a permit for your spouse
A new permit for a new employer, or an open work permit for your spouse.
Status expired urgent
You have 90 days to restore your status. We’ll prepare your restoration application together with a new permit.
From temporary work to PR
We’ll put together a plan — the Canadian Experience Class, the OINP or another province’s program — and submit the application for you and your family.
The rules have changed a lot in the last two years: LMIAs and spousal open work permits are stricter, and since August 28, 2024, visitors can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada. A mistake with deadlines can cost you your status, so plan your extension early.
Types of work permits
Employer-specific (closed) — it names your employer, job and work location. It’s issued either with an LMIA or without one; in the latter case, the employer submits an offer of employment in the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee.
Open work permit — lets you work for any employer. Ways to get one if you’re already in Canada:
- PGWP — for graduates of Canadian colleges and universities, issued once;
- spouses of workers — if the principal worker is in a TEER 0–1 occupation or certain TEER 2–3 occupations and their permit is valid for at least 16 more months;
- spouses of students — master's programs of 16 months or more, doctoral programs or certain professional programs;
- bridging open work permit — for people who applied for PR (Express Entry, PNP and some other programs) and received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR);
- spouses being sponsored from inside Canada;
- workers experiencing abuse or at risk of abuse by their employer (vulnerable workers);
- Ukrainians under CUAET — extensions can be submitted until March 31, 2027.
How to extend your work permit
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your permit expires. What you need depends on your permit type:
| Permit | What you need to extend |
| Employer-specific, LMIA-based | Your employer gets a new LMIA, then you apply to extend. If your permit expires in less than 2 weeks, you can apply with proof that the employer has applied for the LMIA |
| Employer-specific, LMIA-exempt | Your employer submits a new offer of employment in the Employer Portal, pays $230 and gives you the offer number |
| Open | You can extend only if you still qualify under your category. A PGWP can't be extended, and an IEC permit only in limited cases |
The extension fee is $155, plus $100 for an open work permit and $85 for biometrics if you haven't given them in the last 10 years. The IRCC service standard for applications made in Canada is 120 days.
Maintained status: what you can do while you wait
If you apply to extend before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada legally and keep working under the same conditions — with an employer-specific permit, for the same employer, in the same job and location — until a decision is made.
If you leave Canada during this time, you can come back only as a visitor and can't work until your extension is approved. So plan any travel while you wait very carefully.
If your permit has already expired and you didn't apply to extend it, you have 90 days to apply to restore your status. The fee is $401.25 ($246.25 for restoration and $155 for the permit). You can't work until your status is restored.
How to change employers
With an open work permit, you can change employers at any time. With an employer-specific permit, you need a new work permit for the new employer. You may be able to start working for the new employer before a decision: apply for the new permit and send a request through the IRCC web form under the temporary public policy for changing employment.
If you lose your job, you can't work for other employers on an employer-specific permit. You need a new job offer and a new work permit application while staying in Canada, or you must leave by the date on your permit.
LMIA in 2026: what to know
- The line between high-wage and low-wage jobs is the provincial median wage plus 20%.
- Low-wage LMIAs are not processed in cities with unemployment of 6% or higher. The list is updated every 3 months, with exemptions for agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, hospitals and care.
- Low-wage temporary foreign workers can make up no more than 10% of staff at one work location (20% in some sectors).
- A positive LMIA is valid for 6 months, and a low-wage work permit is issued for a maximum of 1 year.
- Since March 25, 2025, a job offer, including one with an LMIA, no longer earns CRS points in Express Entry.
From a work permit to permanent residence
The main path for people working in Canada is the Canadian Experience Class: one year of work in a TEER 0–3 occupation. If you work in Ontario and your employer is ready to support you, consider the OINP; in other provinces, their provincial nominee programs. Once you apply for PR, you can apply for a bridging open work permit so you don't lose the right to work.
Since September 4, 2026, work permit holders can take programs of up to 6 months without a study permit — for example, to improve their language or get a certificate they need. This measure is in place until December 31, 2027.
Common mistakes
- applying to extend after the permit has expired;
- starting work for a new employer without applying and requesting authorization to change jobs;
- leaving Canada while the extension is pending and coming back as a visitor;
- the employer starting the LMIA too late, so the permit expires first;
- applying for a spousal permit when the principal permit had less than 16 months left;
- counting on a PGWP extension instead of planning the move to PR early.
How can ViBK IMMIGRATION CONSULTING help you?
We check which extension fits your case, calculate your deadlines, prepare your extension or new permit application, help with changing employers, restoring status and your spouse's permit, and plan your move from temporary work to PR.
Book a consultation — we will review your situation in detail and find the right program for you.
What our clients say
5.0★★★★★Google ratingRead reviews →Working in Canada: frequently asked questions
When should I apply to extend my work permit?
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before it expires. The key is to apply before the expiry date: then you are on maintained status and can keep working under the same conditions until a decision.
Can I keep working while my extension is processed?
Yes, if you applied before your permit expired. You must work under the same conditions: with an employer-specific permit, for the same employer, in the same job and location.
Can I leave Canada while I wait for my extension?
You can leave, but you can come back only as a visitor and can’t work until the extension is approved. It’s best to discuss any travel beforehand.
What if my work permit has already expired?
You have 90 days to apply to restore your status together with a work permit application. The fee is $401.25. You can’t work until your status is restored.
Can I change employers with an employer-specific permit?
Yes, but you need a new permit for the new employer. You may be able to start working there before a decision if you applied and sent a request through the IRCC web form under the temporary public policy for changing employment.
Can I extend my PGWP?
No. A PGWP is issued once and can’t be extended, except when it was shortened because of your passport. If you have applied for PR through Express Entry, you can apply for a bridging open work permit. Learn more on our PGWP page.
Can my spouse get an open work permit?
Yes, if you work in a TEER 0–1 occupation or certain TEER 2–3 occupations and your permit is valid for at least 16 more months. Spouses of students qualify if the student is in a master’s program of 16 months or more, a doctoral program or certain professional programs.
Can I apply for a work permit if I’m in Canada as a visitor?
Since August 28, 2024 — generally no: the temporary policy that allowed it has ended. Visitors usually need to apply from outside Canada, except for certain categories.
How much does a work permit extension cost?
$155 for the permit, $100 more for an open work permit, and $85 for biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. An employer hiring without an LMIA pays $230.
Does a work permit guarantee permanent residence?
No. A work permit lets you work and gain experience, but your PR application is assessed separately and IRCC makes the decision. In a consultation, we will plan your move to PR around your permit’s deadlines.
Is your work permit expiring soon?
Start with a consultation — we’ll work out your deadlines and put together a plan: an extension, a change of employer or a move to PR.
