Many people think they must leave Canada to apply for a work permit. But that’s not always true. In some situations, you can apply for a work permit while staying in Canada—if you meet specific rules set by the Canadian immigration department (IRCC).
If you don’t fit into any of these special cases, you’ll have to apply either online from outside Canada or (in some cases) at a port of entry.
Let’s break down 9 situations where you’re allowed to apply from inside Canada.
✅ 1. You Have a Valid Study or Work Permit
If you currently have a study or work permit that hasn’t expired, you can apply for a new work permit.
Important: Apply at least 30 days before your current permit ends.
Example: You lost your job, found a new one, and apply for a new work permit 31 days before your current permit expires.
✅ 2. Your Spouse, Partner, or Parent Has a Valid Permit
If your spouse, common-law partner, or parent has a valid study or work permit, you may be able to get a work permit too—as long as their permit is still valid.
Example: A spouse of an international student can apply while the student is in the 90-day grace period after completing their program.
✅ 3. You Just Finished Studying in Canada
If you studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and your study permit is still valid, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This PGWP lets you work for any employer in Canada.
✅ 4. You or Your Family Have a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for 6 Months or More
If you, your spouse, or your parent holds a Temporary Resident Permit valid for at least 6 months, you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
✅ 5. You Applied for Permanent Residence in Canada
You can apply for a work permit if you:
- Applied under inland spousal sponsorship or TRP holder class
- Received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
- Are living in Canada with your sponsor
✅ 6. You Were Working Without a Permit but Now Need One
Some jobs in Canada don’t need a permit—like clergy, performing artists, or athletes. But if you want to switch to a different job that does need a permit, you can apply from within Canada.
✅ 7. You’re a CUSMA Professional, Investor, or Intra-Company Transferee
If you’re from the U.S. or Mexico and are already in Canada under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) for work, you can apply from within Canada for a work permit—as long as you have a valid job offer.
✅ 8. You Made a Refugee Claim in Canada
If you applied for refugee protection inside Canada, you can also apply for a work permit while waiting for a decision.
You must show proof that you’re in danger if sent back to your home country.
✅ 9. You Are a Protected Person or Convention Refugee
If you’ve been officially recognized as a refugee or protected person by Canada’s immigration board (IRB), you can apply for a work permit while your permanent residence is being processed.
💼 How to Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Canada
Most people must apply online using their IRCC secure account.
You can apply on paper only if:
- You have a disability
- You’re applying with a Temporary Resident Permit
📋 General Requirements:
- Proof you’ll leave Canada when your permit ends
- No criminal background or medical issues
- Valid passport (permit can’t go beyond your passport’s expiry date)
- Pay required fees:
- $155 (work permit)
- $100 (open work permit, if eligible)
- $85 (biometrics, if needed)
⏱ Current processing time: Around 233 days
💡 Tip: Always apply before your current status ends to keep your legal stay.
Q1: Can I stay in Canada while my new work permit is being processed?
Yes! If you apply before your current permit expires, you get “maintained status” (previously called implied status) and can legally stay in Canada.
Q2: Can visitors apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
Usually no—unless IRCC has special policies, like during COVID or pilot programs for visitor-to-worker transitions.
Q3: What if my passport is about to expire?
Your work permit will only be issued until the passport’s expiry—so make sure your passport is valid for a long enough time.
Q4: Can I work while waiting for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Yes, if you meet these 3 conditions:
- You had a valid study permit
- You completed your study program
- You applied for the PGWP before the study permit expired
Q5: I made a mistake in my application. Can I fix it?
You might be able to withdraw and reapply. Or, if it’s a minor issue, IRCC may ask for additional documents. Always double-check before submitting.
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