In Canada, a work permit is a legal authorization granted by the government that allows foreign nationals or international students who came to Canada to study & now have completed their higher education to work temporarily within the country. It is a crucial document for individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents but wish to engage in employment activities in Canada.
Work permits are typically issued for specific job offers and are subject to various conditions, including the type of work, the employer, and the duration of employment.
There are different categories of work permits, such as open work permits that allow individuals to work for any employer and employer-specific work permits that tie the individual to a particular employer. The application process for a work permit often requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and approval from the immigration authorities.
Below are the 5 best ways for work permit Canada extension.
5 Ways to Extend Work Permit in Canada
1. Extend Your Current Job (to obtain LMIA)
If you want to continue working in the same job for the same employer, you may be eligible to extend your work permit. Ensure that your employer is willing to support your extension and provide the necessary documentation, such as a job offer letter.
Extend your current job and obtain a LMIA from employer, which will give you additional years to live and work in Canada.
2. Change Your Job or Employer (to obtain LMIA)
If you plan to change your job or employer, you may still be able to extend your work permit. However, you will need a new job offer and may need to provide additional documentation.
If your current employer is not providing your LMIA then you can switch to different one and get an LMIA to extend your work permit.
3. Apply for a Different Work Permit
You may be eligible for a different type of work permit. For example, if you were previously on an employer-specific work permit, you might qualify for an open work permit. This is one of the best way for work permit Canada Extension.
4. Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit
If you are waiting for the processing of your permanent residence application under certain immigration programs, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This allows you to continue working while waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application.
5. Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension
If you are a recent graduate from a Canadian institution and hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may be eligible for an extension. This allows you to continue working in Canada after completing your studies.
Basic Eligibility Criteria to Work in Canada in Work Permit
- Job Offer: First of all you need a Job Offer to be able to work on a work permit in the country, You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In some cases, the employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker.
- Proof of Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada, which means you should not have a criminal record or pose a risk to the security of Canada. You may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- Temporary Job Offer: Work permits are generally issued for a specific duration, so you must intend to stay in Canada temporarily. If your employment situation changes or you wish to stay longer, you may need to apply for an extension or a different type of permit.
- Compliance with Visa Conditions: If you currently hold a temporary visa (e.g., visitor visa or study permit), you must comply with the conditions of that visa.
- Sufficient Funds: With this, you also need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members accompanying you during your stay in Canada.
- Health Insurance: It is advisable to have health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Canada, as health care is not always covered for temporary residents.
- LMIA Exemption or LMIA Approval: Depending on the job and your situation, you may need an LMIA or be eligible for an LMIA exemption. An LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market.
- Appropriate Documentation: You must submit a complete application with all required documentation, including a valid job offer, a copy of the LMIA (if applicable), a valid passport, and any other documents specified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Required Docs
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- Job Offer Letter
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), if applicable
- Completed Application Form
- Valid Passport
- Two Passport-Sized Photos
- Proof of Admissibility
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
- Travel History
- Language Proficiency
- Biometrics
How to Extend Work Permit in Canada
Extending a work permit in Canada involves a specific application process. Here’s a general guide on how to extend a work permit:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for a work permit extension Canada, ensure that you are eligible. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of work permit you currently hold.
Step 2: Apply Before the Expiry Date
Applying for a work permit extension is crucial before your current permit expires. If your permit expires before you apply for an extension, you may not be allowed to work until the extension is approved.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Collect all the necessary documents for your application. This may include a valid job offer, proof of compliance with the conditions of your original work permit, a valid passport, and any other documents specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the appropriate application form for your work permit extension. The form you need to complete depends on your current situation and the type of work permit you hold.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Pay the required application fees which costs $155 CAD per person for a closed permit or $255 per person for an open permit.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit your completed application form, along with all the required documents and fees, to the appropriate address provided by IRCC. You can usually apply online through the IRCC website.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your current work permit’s expiration date.
Step 8: Follow Up on the Status
You can check the status of your application online through the IRCC website. If additional information is required, be prompt in providing the requested documents.
Step 9: Receive Decision
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will receive a new work permit.
Can my family come with me to Canada while I work?
Yes, if you’re getting a work permit with support from your employer, your spouse and kids can join you. If your kids are of school age and in Canada, they can go to Canadian schools without needing a separate study permit. Your spouse can also apply for an open work permit, which lets them work for any employer in Canada.
How much does a Canadian work permit cost?
For a regular work permit, it costs CAD 155 per person for a closed permit or $255 per person for an open permit. If you’re renewing a work permit or applying as part of a group of performers, there may be extra fees
Police Clearance Certificates
To get a Canadian work permit, the person looking at your application might need you to give them police clearance certificates. This document could be on the list of things you need to submit when you first apply, depending on where you’re applying from. If you want a work permit, you might have to give them a police clearance from any country where you lived for at least 6 months after turning 18.
