A Guide written by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Working in Canada as a foreign worker can be a great experience, but what happens when your work permit is about to expire? In this situation, you'll need to apply to extend your work permit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to extend your work permit in Canada.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying to extend your work permit, it's important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible to extend your work permit if:
You have a valid job offer from your Canadian employer
You have a valid work permit and are eligible to work in Canada
You are applying to extend your work permit before it expired
You are still in compliance with the conditions of your initial work permit
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To extend your work permit, you'll need to provide several documents to the Canadian government. These may include:
A valid job offer from your employer, often supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment
Proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate
Proof of your current immigration status in Canada
Proof of your work history in the last 10 years
Proof of your education and training
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have all of the required documents, you can submit your application to extend your work permit. We recommend that you file online through the government’s gckey portal.
When applying online, you'll need to create an account and submit your application through the government's online portal. When applying by mail, you'll need to print and complete the relevant forms, then mail them along with your supporting documents to the address indicated on the forms.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
After you submit your application, you'll need to wait for a decision from the Canadian government. The processing time for work permit extensions can vary, so be sure to check the government's website for the most up-to-date information. This can often take several months for processing. Depending on your conditions on your previous work permit, you may be able to continue working for your employer while you await a decision on this work permit application.
Step 5: Receive Your Extended Work Permit
If your application is approved, you'll receive your extended work permit. Be sure to keep it in a safe place, as you'll need to present it to border officials whenever you enter Canada, it will be mailed to you at the address indicated on your work permit application form (IMM5710).
In sum, extending your work permit in Canada is a straightforward process, but it is important to ensure you are eligible and that you have the required documents to extend your status. Most open work permit holders will require an LMIA-supported job offer to extend their work permit in Canada.. By gathering the required documents, submitting a complete application, and waiting for a decision, you'll be able to continue working in Canada and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
If you have any questions about How to work and travel in Canada with a Working Holiday Visa, please feel free to reach out. Please also join my Facebook Immigration Discussion group for Immigration Consultants and lawyers online here.
Our Services
Calver Immigration Consulting Inc. is rated Canada's number one boutique immigration consultancy. We serve clients across Canada and internationally. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in Canada and abroad.
We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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