Extending a work permit in Canada wasn’t as easy as it was back in the day and if you don’t have supporting LMIA then it becomes even harder. Extending your work permit in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can simply help you stay longer in Canada and work without any legal obligations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, and step-by-step process for work permit extension without LMIA no matter whether you’re on a post-graduation work permit, skilled worker, or intre-company transferee, you will be able find out what method suits you the best.
How to extend a work permit without LMIA?
Extension of a work permit in Canada without LMIA can be done in certain methods:
1. Intra-Company Transfers
Intra-company transfer program allows employees working for multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. This program mainly designed for people at managerial, executive, and top-level positions.
Eligibility:
- Must be currently employed by a multinational company.
- Transferring to a managerial, executive, or top levele knowledge positions.
- Have been continuously employed with the company for at least one year within the last three years.
Required Documents:
- Proof of continuous employment (e.g., pay stubs, employment contracts).
- Detailed job description.
- Letter from the employer confirming the transfer and details of the position.
Steps to Extend:
- The program is open all year to apply online through IRCC portal.
- Provide supporting documents and pay the applicable fees.
Also Check: How to Extend Work Permit in Canada (5 Best ways)
2. Spousal Open Work Permits
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers (NOC 0, A, B jobs) or international students can get an open work permit valid till their spouse’s work permit is valid, this will let them work in Canada for a longer period, another best way for work permit extension without LMIA.
Eligibility:
- Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student.
- The principal applicant must have a valid study or work permit.
Required Documents:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, common-law declaration).
- Principal applicant’s work or study permit.
- Employment details of the principal applicant (if applicable).
Steps to Extend:
- This can be applied directly through IRCC website under the SOWP stream.
- Submit required documents and pay the applicable fees.
3. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
BOWP can be obtained for people who have already applied for PR under Express Entry or have Province Nomination, this will extend your work permit until the final decision for your PR is made.
Eligibility:
- Applied for permanent residence under eligible programs (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program).
- Your current work permit is set to expire within the next 4 months.
Required Documents:
- Proof of permanent residence application submission (e.g., acknowledgment of receipt).
- Current work permit.
Steps to Extend:
- Apply online through the IRCC portal.
- Submit necessary documents and pay the fees.
4. Francophone Mobility Program
If you have cleared at least B2 level of french speaking then you can apply under Francophone Mobility Program. The Francophone Mobility Program targets French-speaking foreign workers who want to work outside of Quebec, facilitating their entry without an LMIA.
Eligibility:
- Job offer from an employer outside Quebec.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in French.
Required Documents:
- Proof of French language proficiency.
- Job offer from a Canadian employer outside Quebec.
Steps to Extend:
- Apply online through the IRCC website.
- Provide supporting documents and pay the applicable fees.
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Another best option to extend your work permit is to obtain permanent residency through PNP program, many PNP programs will help you get PR and ultimately you can stay in Canada and work for as many hours as you want.
Eligibility:
- Nomination certificate from a Canadian province or territory.
- Job offer in the nominating province (if applicable).
Required Documents:
- Nomination certificate.
- Job offer letter (if applicable).
- Proof of application for permanent residence.
Steps to Extend:
- Apply online via the IRCC portal.
- Submit required documents and fees.
6. Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign workers in specific occupations quickly, This is one of the best ways for work permit extension without LMIA.
Eligibility:
- Job offer in a high-demand occupation under the GTS.
- Employer must be referred by a designated partner or be part of Category A or B of the GTS.
Required Documents:
- Job offer letter.
- Proof of employer’s eligibility under GTS.
- Supporting documents related to skills and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I extend my work permit if it is expiring soon?
Yes, you can apply to extend your work permit if it is expiring. You should submit your application before your current permit expires to maintain your legal status in Canada. There’s no specific date for submission of the work permit extension however, it should be done within 30 days of your current work permit expiration.
2. What documents do I need to extend my work permit?
The documents required for work permit extension vary on the applicant, but generally:
- A valid passport
- Your current work permit
- A job offer or employment contract (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship for spousal permits (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Evidence supporting your specific exemption category (e.g., nomination certificate for PNP)
- Proof of application for permanent residence (for BOWP)
3. How long does it take to process a work permit extension application?
Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit and the volume of applications. The current processing time for work permit extension is from 1 month to 3 months.
4. Can I continue working while my extension application is being processed?
Yes, if you apply for an extension before your current work permit expires, you can continue working under the same conditions as your original permit until a decision is made. This is known as “implied status.”
5. What if my work permit expires before I apply for an extension?
If your work permit expires before you apply for an extension, you must stop working immediately. You can apply to restore your status within 90 days of your permit expiring, but you cannot work until your status is restored.
7. Can I apply for a work permit extension if I am outside of Canada?
Yes, you can apply for work permit exteions if you’re outside of Canada, however, most eligible programs for work permit extension may require you to be in Canada.
8. What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows individuals who have applied for permanent residence to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision. To be eligible, you must have valid work permit, have received an invitation and AOR from IRCC.
