If you are working in Canada on a temporary basis, chances are you have a work permit that is valid for a specific period of time. As your work permit nears its expiration date, it is important to take action and renew your permit in order to continue working legally in Canada.
In case your work permit is about to expire or you need to modify the terms of your existing permit, you must file a new application at least 30 days before the expiration date. You are legally permitted to remain in Canada while Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates your application.
Your work permit’s conditions will change accordingly if your present job undergoes alterations, such as a variation in salary or added duties, or if you receive a job offer from another employer. It’s against the law to commence a new job or work for a new employer without obtaining a new work permit that reflects the updated conditions.
1. Determine Your Eligibility to Renew Your Work Permit
Before you start the work permit renewal process, it is important to make sure that you are eligible to do so. Generally, you can renew your work permit if you are still eligible to work in Canada, your job offer is still valid, and you have not committed any crimes or violated any immigration laws. Additionally, you may need to provide certain documents such as a valid passport, proof of employment, and proof of financial support.
2. Gather Required Documents
To renew your work permit, you will need to gather several documents to support your application. These may include:
Make sure you check the requirements specific to your situation before you start the work permit renewal process to ensure that you have all the necessary documents.
3. Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application to renew your work permit. There are several ways to do this, including online or by mail. You may also need to pay a fee when submitting your application.
If you are applying online, you will need to create an account on the Government of Canada website and follow the instructions provided to submit your application. If you are applying by mail, you will need to download the application forms from the website and mail them, along with your supporting documents, to the appropriate address.
4. Wait for a Decision
After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the government. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on the volume of applications being processed at the time.
During this time, you may receive a request for additional information or documentation to support your application. It is important to respond to these requests as quickly as possible in order to avoid delays in processing your application.
5. Travel Outside of Canada While Your Application is Pending
If you need to travel outside of Canada while your work permit renewal application is pending, you will need to apply for a visitor visa in order to re-enter the country. This is because your work permit will no longer be valid once it expires, and you will not be able to enter Canada as a worker without a valid work permit.
6. Receive Your New Work Permit
If your application is approved, you will receive a new work permit that is valid for a specific period of time. Make sure you check the details of the permit to ensure that it matches your expected employment dates.
If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for a work permit at a later time. It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and take steps to address any issues before reapplying.
If your work permit expires while your application is being processed by IRCC, you need to determine if you’re allowed to continue working.
If you have applied to renew your work permit and it expires before a decision is made, you have maintained your status and can work without a permit until a verdict is reached, as long as you’re working under the same conditions as your present or expired permit.
If you have filed a new work permit application to switch your job, employer or work location, and your current permit expires, you have still maintained your status. As a result, you can work only for the employer mentioned in your original work permit until IRCC decides on your application. You cannot begin working under the conditions of the new work permit until the application is approved.
Lastly, if you’ve applied for a study permit or an extension of your visitor status, you may work only until your permit expires. Once it expires, you must stop working. Also, you can only begin studying after IRCC processes your application.
It’s crucial to note that you’re not permitted to extend your work permit beyond your passport’s expiry date.
If your work permit has already expired and you haven’t applied for a renewal, you will have to cease working if you’re presently in Canada. However, there’s a possibility that you can regain your status as a worker. You may be eligible to apply for the restoration of your worker status if you:
It’s important to note that the decision to approve your application to restore your status or obtain a new permit is at the discretion of IRCC, and there’s no assurance that it will be accepted.
DEV Immigration is a professional immigration service provider that can assist individuals in obtaining a work permit. We have a team of experienced immigration experts who are well-versed in the process and can provide personalized guidance to clients. We can also help clients with the application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are complete and accurate.
