Work Permit Renewal
Who's Eligible?
Most individuals who are not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident in Canada require a work permit to work in Canada. These individuals, called Temporary Foreign Workers, may eventually be able to apply for permanent residency later on. Certain work types, such as religious work, do not require a work permit.
Work Permit Renewal:
If your work permit is about to expire, you can apply to extend it. To allow for processing time, the Government of Canada recommends that you apply to extend your work permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. It is also important to note that you must have a valid passport throughout your entire stay, and that you cannot extend your work permit beyond your passport’s expiry date.
Work Permit Change:
In addition, if you have a work permit but need to make changes to the conditions, you need to submit an application to change the conditions on your work permit. Examples of changes include:
- Extending your job
- Changing your job or employer
- A change in pay or responsibilities
- The type of work you can do
- Where you can work
You cannot work at a different job or for a new employer until you secure a work permit that reflects the new conditions.
If you want to work in Canada temporarily but do not already have an existing work permit, you can find out more on the Work Permit page.
Processing times for these applications can vary significantly, but you can obtain an estimate from the Government of Canada here. Some cases are more complex than others and need more time or information to process, especially if anything changes during your application, such as medical status, new dependents, or a marriage.
If you’re looking for more information on renewing or changing your work permit, you can schedule a professional consultation with one of our licensed consultants here. They’ll be able to provide you with all of the information you need to get your application started.
