If you are in Canada as a live-in caregiver, temporary worker or International Experience Canada worker, your work permit allows you to legally work in the country. Your permit has an expiry date and before you get to this date, you may wish to renew or extend your work permit so you can continue to remain and stay employed in Canada. How you apply to renew your permit will depend on the type of work you do.
Renewing a Work Permit as a Live-in Caregiver
No new applicants are being accepted as part of the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). However, if you already have a work permit as part of the LCP you can submit the Application for work permit inside Canada either online or on paper to extend the date of your work permit or to change the terms of your employment. The terms of your employment are changed if you work for a different employer or if your location changes.
You must apply for your new work permit under the LCP at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Until you get your new permit, your status will continue under your current permit. Since it can take longer than 30 days to renew your permit, you may want to apply more than 30 days in advance.
Renewing a Work Permit as a Temporary Worker
If you are a temporary worker in Canada, you can file to renew your permit by filing an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada 30 days or more before your current permit expiry date. You can apply online or through a paper application.
If your job changes or is extended, follow the instructions on the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada to show officials how your employment has changed. If you have a new job offer or a new employer in Canada, you must apply for a new work permit and you must not start your new job until you have your new permit.
Renewing an Experience Canada Work Permit
In some exceptional circumstances, your Experience Canada Work Permit may be renewed or extended. If for example, your original employment was for less time than you are eligible for and your employer offers you longer employment, you may be able to seek to renew your work permit by filing Form IMM 5710E, Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker. If you are fired, the company has gone bankrupt, you are not getting your wages, or you face other serious problems with your employer, you may be able to change employers.
Getting a Bridging Open Work Permit
If your work permit expires in four months or less but you have decided to seek permanent residency in Canada, applying for a bridging open work permit allows you to stay and work in Canada while your immigration application is processed. To apply, fill out and submit the Application for work permit inside Canada, indicating your request for an “Open Work Permit” on the form.
Your Renewed Work Permit
If you’re concerned about maintaining your ability to work in Canada, there are many resources to help you. One professionally-compiled set of resources is Immigration Direct. Take a look at our free blog, which lets you stay up-to-date about changes to Canada’s immigration policies. Or, get our step-by-step resource for applying to renew your work permit. It contains all the forms you need as well as clear instructions so you can apply today.
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