How Long Can I Stay in Canada After My Work Permit Expires?

Introduction

A Canadian work permit (WP) is a document that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a limited period. It is not the same as permanent residency, and it comes with an expiry date.

If your WP is about to expire or has already expired, it’s important to understand what that means for your status in Canada. Can you stay? Can you keep working? What are your options?

In this article, we’ll explain what happens with your WP expiry, whether you can stay or work under maintained (implied) status, the application process to extend your work permit, and what other immigration pathways may be available to you.

At the expiry of your WP, you lose your legal right to work in Canada. You may also lose your temporary resident status, depending on your situation. To maintain your ability to stay and work in Canada, you must apply for a new work permit, through an inland stream, before your existing work permit expiry.

If you didn’t apply to extend or change your permit before it expired, you must stop working immediately. You can apply to restore your status as a worker within 90 days of your work permit's expiration date., but you cannot work during this period. If you don’t apply to restore your status within that time, you’ll need to leave Canada.

It’s important to act early to avoid becoming out of status, which can make it harder to stay in Canada or return in the future.

Maintained Status: Can You Keep Working After Your Work Permit Expiry?

If you applied to extend your Canadian work permit before it expired, you may be allowed to stay and keep working legally while you wait for a decision. This is called maintained status (formerly known as “implied status”).



Under this status, you can:

• Stay in the country while IRCC processes your application.
• Maintain your legal status in Canada and keep working under the same conditions as your expired permit (e.g. same employer and job if it’s an employer-specific work permit).

But you only get this benefit if:

• Your extension application was submitted before your initial work permit expiry.
• You are not switching to a different type of status (like from worker to visitor or student).
• You applied for an inland work permit process using the IMM 5710. Overseas applications using the IMM 1295 or the IEC work permit pathway do not provide you with maintained status.

If you applied on time, but applied to change to a different type of status (e.g. change from worker to visitor), you can stay in the country while waiting for a decision, but you must stop working after your current permit expiry date.

Maintained status provides a helpful option to avoid gaps in your work history, but the rules must be followed carefully to avoid running into immigration trouble.

Extending Your Work Permit

If you want to keep working in Canada, it’s important to apply to extend your Canadian work permit before it expires. Applying early helps you stay in legal status and may allow you to keep working under maintained status during your new application process.

How to Apply to Extend Your Work Permit - Online Application

The process for extending a WP typically involves submitting your application online. You’ll need to create an online account, fill out application forms, upload documents, and pay the required fees. In some rare cases, you can apply on paper, but applying online is faster and more common.

It's important to note that you cannot extend your work permit just because you want to work longer. You must be eligible to extend your work permit because of either IRCC regulation or policy.



In order to extend your existing WP in Canada, you must have a valid WP at the time of submitting your new application.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply for a Work Permit Extension

To extend your work permit, you must be in one of the situations outlined below:

• Your existing work permit was not issued for the full time period that it should have been issued, because your passport was expiring. In this situation, you can apply for an extension once you have your new passport.
• You have a new LMIA from your Canadian employer
• You have a new e-job offer from the same company
• You have received a Provincial Nomination Certificate
• You have applied for Permanent Residence
• You are eligible for an open work permit because of your spouse or common law partner's immigration situation

If you're on an open work permit (like a spousal open work permit or IEC), the process may be simpler and not tied to a specific employer. To find out more about what to do after your working holiday visa expiry, read our article 'Working Holiday Visa Expiring? Here's How to Stay in Canada'. After your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, you must find other options to if you want to stay. To learn more about your options after a Post-Graduation Work Permit, read our article 'Essential Guide to PGWP 'Extension': Options and Updates for 2025'.

Required Documents for a Work Permit Extension

• Application Forms
• A copy of your job offer letter or employment contract
• A valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required)
• A valid passport that won’t expire soon - note that your new WP will not be issued beyond the validity of your passport
• A recent passport scan showing your ID page and any Canadian entry stamps
• Proof of status in Canada (like your current work permit)
• Police certificate/ criminal record
• Optional: medical exam results (if required for your job or region)

You should collect the necessary supporting documents in advance. When applying for a work permit renewal, ensure all required documents included in your application package are up-to-date, complete, and accurate.

Tip: There are different application instructions for different types of work permits. Most work permit extension applications must be submitted online; however, to apply to extend a Post Graduation work permit or an IEC work permit, you must apply using paper.

Fees for Work Permit Extension

The standard fee is $155 CAD for most work permit extensions. If you're applying for an open work permit, you’ll also need to pay an extra $100 CAD open permit holder fee.

What to Do While Waiting for Your Work Permit Extension

If you applied before your current permit expired, you may stay in the country and continue working legally under the same conditions as your current work permit, while IRCC processes your new application.



While waiting, make sure to:

• Keep a copy of your online application confirmation
• Save all receipts and tracking numbers, whether you applied online or on paper
• Regularly check your IRCC account for updates and further instructions

Avoid leaving the country during this time unless absolutely necessary. If you leave while on maintained status, you will lose the right to work when you re-enter Canada. CBSA officers at the border may allow you to enter Canada as a visitor upon return, but you will not be permitted to resume work until your new permit is approved. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to remain in Canada until you receive a decision.

Do I Need to Extend My Visitor Visa Too?

If you’re applying to extend your Canadian work permit from inside Canada, you do not need to extend your visitor visa (TRV) at the same time.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the visa sticker in your passport that allows you to enter Canada — it does not control how long you can stay. Your ability to stay is controlled by your work permit, not your TRV.

If you plan to leave and re-enter Canada in the future, and your TRV will expire soon, then you can apply to renew your TRV after your new WP is approved. You’ll need a valid permit to apply for a new TRV from inside Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For PR Applicants

If you’ve applied for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through a program like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This lets you keep working in Canada with a 'temporary' work permit while waiting for a decision on your permanent resident application.

To qualify for a BOWP, you must meet the eligibility criteria:

• Have submitted a complete permanent residence application under one of the eligible economic programs (like CEC, FSW, FST, or PNP).
• Already hold a valid work permit at the time you apply for the BOWP.
• Be living in Canada when you apply.

The BOWP is an open work permit, meaning you don’t need a specific job offer or LMIA. It gives you the freedom to work for almost any employer in Canada while your permanent residency application is in process. Note however, that if your application for Permanent Residence is tied to your job in Canada, then changing employers at this stage could jeopardize your PR application. You need definite clarity on that point before considering a change in employment.

The BOWP is a great option for workers who are getting close to their present work permit expiry but have already taken steps toward PR.

Other Work Permit Options - Apply for a 'New' Work Permit

If you’re not eligible to extend your current work permit, there may still be other ways to stay and work in Canada. Below are some common work permit options:

LMIA-Based Work Permits - Job Offer Required

If your employer is willing to support you, they can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA allows you to apply for a new employer specific work permit tied to that employer. This option can take time and requires your Canadian employer to prove that no Canadian was available for the job and they need to hire foreign workers. Your LMIA work permit will be an employer specific work permit.

International Mobility Program

Spousal Open Work Permits

If your spouse or common-law partner is a temporary foreign worker or international student, or has applied for PR, you may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit. This type of permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

If you're from a country that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada, and you're within the eligible age range (usually 18–30 or 35), you might qualify for a new work permit under the IEC program. This includes categories like Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op.

CUSMA Work Permits

If you’re a citizen of the United States or Mexico, you may be eligible to work in Canada under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). You’ll need a qualifying job offer and the right supporting documents, but no LMIA is required.

Open Work Permits for Vulnerable Workers

If you’re experiencing abuse or risk of abuse in your current job in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. This allows you to leave your employer and work elsewhere at a new job in a safer environment.

If You Can’t Extend Your Work Permit: Other Temporary Options

If you’re not eligible to extend your work permit, you may still be able to stay temporarily by changing your status to either a visitor or a student — as long as you apply for the new permit before your current permit expires.

Changing to Visitor Status

You can apply to change your status to a visitor if you want to stay in the country longer but don't plan to work or study. This gives you extra time to explore your options (like finding a new employer or applying for PR), but:

• You are not allowed to work or study while on visitor status.
• You must apply before your work permit expires.
• You must show that you have enough money to support yourself without working in Canada.

This is only a temporary solution, but it can give you a chance to figure out your next step legally, like securing a new job, without needing to leave Canada right away. If you find a new job while you are on visitor statu, you will need to apply for a new work permit prior to start working.



Keep in mind that you must show the immigration officer valid reasons that you want to stay in Canada as a visitor.

Applying for a Study Permit

If you’ve been accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, you can apply for a study permit. This may be a good way to stay in the country longer and gain new qualifications.

Important:

• You cannot start studying until your study permit is approved.
• You must apply before your work permit expires to stay in status.
• Studying in Canada can help you qualify for future immigration programs, including PGWP or Express Entry.

Changing your status from worker to visitor or student may help you legally stay in Canada with valid status while preparing for your next chapter.

Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

If your goal is to stay in Canada long term, you may want to explore applying for PR. There are several programs available, depending on your work experience, education, location, and family situation.

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for skilled workers. It includes three programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – for people with skilled work experience gained outside Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – for people with experience in skilled trades.



You need to meet the minimum requirements, for example, work experience, educational requirement and language proficiency requirements, and create an online profile. If your score is high enough, you may get an invitation to apply for PR.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province in Canada has its own immigration program. If you have a job offer or work experience in a specific province, you may be able to apply for a provincial nomination, which can help you qualify for PR — sometimes through Express Entry, and sometimes directly.

Spousal Sponsorship

If you're married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence. This option is available whether you're already in Canada or living outside the country.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

If you live and work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island, you may be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program. You’ll need a job offer from a designated employer and meet language and education requirements.

• Express Entry (CEC, FSW) – if you meet the eligibility.
• PNPs – province-specific options for workers with job offers or experience.
• Spousal sponsorship – if you’re married or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian.
• Atlantic Immigration Program – for workers in Atlantic provinces.

What If Your Work Permit Already Expired?

If your work permit has already expired and you did not apply to extend it in time, you may still have a chance to stay in Canada — but you need to act quickly.

You can apply to restore your status within 90 days of your permit expiring. This allows you to stay in Canada legally while IRCC processes your restoration request.

However:

• You must be eligible for an extension to your work permit - see potential situations above
• You cannot work while waiting for a decision on your restoration application.
• You must pay a restoration fee (currently $239.75 CAD, plus the regular work permit fee).
• You must explain why you stayed in Canada after your permit expired and show that you still meet the conditions of your original work permit.



Restoration is a one-time opportunity. If you miss the 90-day window or your application is refused, you may have to exit Canada and reapply from outside the country.

When You Must Leave Canada

If you're not eligible to extend your work permit, change your status, or apply for restoration, you’ll need to leave Canada.

Leaving the country on your own — before you overstay — is important to avoid serious consequences. It shows IRCC that you followed the rules, which can help your chances for approval if you want to return later.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to:

• Re-enter Canada in the future with a new work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.
• Apply for PR from outside Canada.

However, if you overstay your permit without taking action, it could negatively affect your future applications. You may be refused a visa or work permit, or face delays when trying to return.



It’s always best to stay within the legal rules, even if that means temporarily leaving the country to reset your options.

Final Thoughts: What to Do Next

Your work permit expiry doesn’t always mean you have to leave Canada right away. In many cases, there are options to extend your stay, change your status, or even apply for PR — but timing is critical.

To protect your future in Canada:

• Know your rights
• Act early
• Stay informed about the rules
• Get help if you’re unsure what to do

Always meet with a professional who can advise you on the most up-to-date information as it pertains to your unique situation. Speaking with a licensed immigration consultant is the best way to understand your options and avoid mistakes that could cost you opportunities in the future.

At The Way Immigration, we are here help you extend your stay beyond your present work permit. Our team of licensed Canadian immigration consultants can guide you through the entire process and ensure a smooth transition. Contact us today to book your consultation with our team of licensed immigration consultants at our immigration Calgary office.