If you are working in Canada with a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), you might need to extend it to continue working legally. This guide will help you understand when and how to apply for an extension.
Why Do You Need to Extend Your Work Permit?
Your work permit has an expiry date, and if you want to keep working in Canada, you must apply for an extension before it expires. Here are some reasons why you might need an extension:
- Your job is continuing beyond your current work permit’s expiry date.
- You have been offered a new position by your current employer.
- Your job role, pay, or responsibilities have changed.
- You have a job offer from a new employer.
If you apply for an extension before your current work permit expires, you can stay in Canada and continue working under the same conditions until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on your application. This is called maintained status (formerly implied status).
Steps to Extend Your Work Permit
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Your job must still require a Temporary Foreign Worker.
- Your employer must have a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- You must submit your application before your current permit expires.
Step 2: Check Your Passport Expiry Date
Your new work permit cannot be issued for longer than the validity of your passport. If your passport is expiring soon, consider renewing it before applying for an extension.
Step 3: Ensure Your Employer Has an LMIA
To extend a TFWP work permit, your employer needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that is positive or neutral. Your employer, not you, must apply for this document. Since LMIAs can take months to process, talk to your employer as soon as possible.
LMIAs will not be processed if:
- The job exceeds the limit on low-wage positions.
- The job is in an area with high unemployment (over 6%).
- The position is for a live-in caregiver.
- The employer has had an LMIA revoked in the last two years.
- The job is in a restricted category in Montreal.
Step 4: Apply for Your Work Permit Extension
Once your employer has the required documents, you can apply online through the IRCC website. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create an online account on the IRCC website.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload required documents (see below).
- Pay the application fees:
- Work permit fee: CAD $155
- Biometrics fee (if needed): CAD $85
Documents You Will Need
When you apply online, IRCC will give you a personalized checklist. However, common documents include:
- A valid passport.
- A copy of the LMIA from your employer.
- A copy of your job offer letter.
- Proof of current employment in Canada.
- Any other documents requested by IRCC.
Step 5: Biometrics (If Required)
Some applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). If this applies to you:
- Pay the biometrics fee when applying.
- Wait for the biometrics instruction letter from IRCC.
- Book an appointment at a designated collection center.
Can You Start a New Job While Waiting for a New Work Permit?
Normally, if you have a closed work permit, you cannot work for a new employer until you receive a new work permit. However, under a temporary public policy, some foreign workers may start a new job while waiting for their permit.
To be eligible, you must:
- Apply for a new employer-specific work permit inside Canada.
- Follow specific instructions when submitting your request to IRCC.
- Include the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 in your application.
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there are no Canadians available for the job. If you have a TFWP work permit, you can only work for the employer listed on your permit.
To hire you, your employer must get an LMIA, which proves that no Canadian worker is available for the job.
If you need help extending your work permit, Ask Kubeir is here to guide you!
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