How to Extend a Work Permit Under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program

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Key Takeaways

Apply for a work permit extension at least 30 days before expiry to retain “implied status” and avoid disruptions.
Employers must submit a new LMIA if required or update job offers and pay compliance fees for LMIA-exempt cases.
Starting November 8, 2024, TFW high-wage stream requires wages 20% above the provincial median; LMIA validity drops to six months.

Extending a work permit under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is an essential step for workers wishing to continue their employment legally. As of February 2025, specific rules and procedures guide this process. A timely and accurate application is crucial to maintaining work authorization and legal status. Below is a detailed explanation of how foreign workers and their employers can manage this process successfully.

Step 1: Timing Is Key

How to Extend a Work Permit Under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Workers should apply to extend their work permit at least 30 days before their current permit expires. Applying early ensures they retain their legal status in Canada and can continue working under the same conditions as their original work permit until a decision on the extension is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This legal provision, often referred to as “implied status,” is contingent upon applying before the current permit’s expiry date.

For employer-specific permits, workers must continue in the same job, with the same employer, and at the same location while awaiting the decision. This makes advance planning and timely submission critical to avoid any disruptions or breaches of immigration rules.

Step 2: Employer’s Role in the Extension Process

Before a worker submits their extension application, employers must fulfill their obligations. Depending on whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required, the employer’s next steps will vary:

If an LMIA is required: The employer must apply for a new LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). LMIAs assess whether hiring a foreign worker will negatively impact Canadian workers. Once approved, the LMIA serves as a key document for the work permit application.
If LMIA-exempt: For LMIA-exempt applications, the employer must upload a new job offer and pay the employer compliance fee through the Employer Portal, an online system managed by the Canadian government.

Employers should also be aware of updated eligibility rules. For instance, starting November 8, 2024, workers in the high-wage stream are only eligible if their wage meets the new requirement—20% above the provincial or territorial median wage. This wage increase impacts both new applications and extensions.

Step 3: Gather Required Worker Documents

As part of the extension application, workers must provide supporting documents. Here are the key pieces workers might need:

Proof of Continued Work Authorization: A letter from their online IRCC account confirming their right to work (if submitted online) or proof of application submission for paper-based applications.
Supporting Documentation (if requested): IRCC may ask for additional documents to prove eligibility. Workers are advised to respond promptly, as the request itself serves as proof that they retain authorization while waiting for a decision.

If applying for significant changes in job terms, such as a new employer or different wages, workers must formally apply to change the conditions of their work permit. Until the new permit is issued, they cannot begin the new job or altered terms, even if the submission occurred before the current permit expires.

Step 4: Understand Key Policy Updates

Over the past year, Canada’s TFWP has undergone significant changes that influence work permit extensions. Workers and employers alike must stay updated to avoid complications in their applications. Below are some notable updates:

Changes to LMIAs:
- As of May 1, 2024, the validity period for LMIAs is reduced to six months. Employers and workers must act quickly once an LMIA is approved to ensure the work permit extension application is submitted before the LMIA expires.
Low-Wage Stream Restrictions:
- Starting September 26, 2024, ESDC stopped processing LMIA applications under the Low-Wage Stream in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher. Additionally, the maximum employment duration for workers in the Low-Wage Stream has been reduced to one year, down from the previous two years.
Employer Compliance Rules:
- Employers can no longer rely on attestations from lawyers or accountants to confirm the legitimacy of their businesses. Effective October 28, 2024, employers must provide alternative, detailed documents to validate the business when supporting LMIA or work permit applications.

These updates highlight the government’s focus on ensuring that temporary foreign workers are employed under fair and transparent conditions, while prioritizing job opportunities for Canadians.

Step 5: Alternative Work Permit Options for Certain Provinces

Some provinces have introduced alternative pathways for foreign workers seeking to extend their stay. For instance, in Alberta 🇨🇦, Manitoba 🇨🇦, and Yukon 🇨🇦, workers under certain streams can apply for open work permits through an extended policy available until December 31, 2025. Open work permits allow applicants to work for any employer in Canada, offering greater flexibility and employment options.

Workers are encouraged to explore the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in these provinces to determine if they qualify. However, eligibility criteria may differ, and workers should check their provincial requirements.

Step 6: Address Employer Transition Plan Commitments

When employers reapply for a work permit extension or LMIA, IRCC may review their compliance with any prior transition plan commitments. Employers need to demonstrate their efforts to reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers, including:

Progress on hiring Canadian employees.
Training programs and recruitment activities aimed at long-term staffing solutions.

Failure to meet these commitments could negatively affect the LMIA or work permit extension approval.

Step 7: Verify New Targets and Permit Quotas

Recent government updates set annual targets for new TFWP work permits. For 2025, the goal is 82,000 net new permits. While this figure reflects the program’s capacity to approve new and extended permits, demand outpaces supply in some sectors. Applicants should double-check whether processing delays or quotas may impact their timelines.

Step 8: Awaiting a Decision

Once the application is submitted, processing times may vary. Workers can continue to work under the conditions of their original permit as long as their extension application was submitted before the original permit expired. Applicants should regularly log into their IRCC account to check for updates or correspondence.

Employers and workers may also need to be flexible, especially if processing delays stretch beyond estimated timeframes. Adjustments to work schedules or plans might be required during this waiting period.

Checklist: Documents and Steps for Workers

Submit an extension application 30 days before expiry.
Provide proofs of employment and continued eligibility.
- Online: Use the WP-EXT confirmation letter.
- Paper: Include proof of submission.
Ensure employer compliance:
- LMIA required: Employer must submit for a new LMIA.
- LMIA-exempt: Employer submits new job offer and compliance fee.
Monitor updates for wage rules or policy changes impacting eligibility.

For more detailed guidance on work permits and LMIA processes, visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Conclusion

Extending a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows foreign workers in Canada to continue their careers while complying with immigration laws. Proper preparation is essential, whether it includes submitting applications ahead of deadlines, understanding the latest policy updates, or ensuring employer support. Staying informed about changes, such as wage requirements and LMIA restrictions, enables both workers and employers to effectively navigate the process and maintain compliance under Canadian law.

Learn Today

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) → A Canadian immigration program allowing foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages in specific industries or regions.
Implied Status → Legal status allowing workers to continue employment under existing conditions while awaiting a work permit extension decision.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) → A document assessing the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market, often required for work permits.
Employer Compliance Fee → A fee paid by employers to demonstrate adherence to regulations when supporting LMIA-exempt work permit applications.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) → Provincial immigration programs enabling foreign workers to apply for permanent residence or specific work permits based on local needs.

This Article in a Nutshell

To extend a Canadian work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, apply at least 30 days before expiration to maintain implied status. Ensure employer obligations like LMIA submission or compliance fees are met. Stay updated on evolving rules, including wage changes and LMIA validity. Timely, accurate preparation ensures uninterrupted work legality.
— By VisaVerge.com