How to Extend Your Work Permit in Canada
Extend Your Work Permit
To work in Canada, you need a work permit. If your permit is ending, you need to make it last longer. Extending your work permit lets you keep working legally in Canada. This helps you stay on track with your job and life plans.
Check If You Can Continue Working
Make sure you can extend your work permit. This way, you can keep working without any problems. You need a permit to work in Canada. When your permit is ending, stop working right away to avoid trouble. Extending your permit helps you keep your job and stay legal in Canada.
Why Extend Your Work Permit
When you extend your work permit, you get to continue your job. This gives you stability and helps you build your future in Canada. Working in Canada can also help you apply for permanent residency later. This opens more opportunities for your career and life in Canada.
Find a New Job
Getting a New Job
One way to extend your work permit is to get a new job. If your current permit is ending or you need to change it, a new job can help. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply for a New Job
Get a new job offer from a Canadian employer. Then, apply to extend your work permit. You might start your new job before your permit is approved. Ask for permission to work while waiting.
- Open Work Permit
If you have an open work permit, you can change employers anytime as long as your permit is valid.
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
When changing jobs, check if the new employer needs an LMIA. If needed, the employer must apply for it. If not, they must submit a new job offer and pay a compliance fee. Not all employers can or will pay these fees, so discuss this with them.
Bridging Open Work Permit
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets you continue working while waiting for your permanent residency. It helps you stay employed without gaps.
Benefits of a BOWP
- Continue Working Without Interruptions
A BOWP helps you stay employed while waiting for permanent residency. You can work without interruptions.
- Change Jobs Easily
With a BOWP, you are not tied to one employer. You can change jobs or move within Canada without getting a new permit each time.
- Stay Legal
Holding a BOWP keeps you in line with immigration laws. This helps you avoid gaps in your work history, which is good for your benefits and opportunities.
Requirements for a BOWP
To get a BOWP, you need:
- A valid work permit when you apply
- An application for permanent residency under an eligible program
Submit the right forms and documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Working Holiday Visa
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday Visa is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. It lets young people from certain countries travel and work in Canada for a short time. It’s an open work permit, so you can work for any employer in Canada
Benefits of a Working Holiday Visa
- Gain Work Experience
The main goal is to let young travelers gain work experience while exploring Canada.
- Change Jobs Easily
The open permit lets you change employers and locations without needing a new permit.
Eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a citizen of a partner country
- Meet the age requirements
The visa is usually valid for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on your nationality and agreements between countries.
Different Paths to Extend Your Work Permit
There are many ways to continue working in Canada. Whether it’s finding a new job, getting a BOWP, or a Working Holiday Visa, you have options. Extending your work permit helps you stay legally employed. This improves your chances of getting permanent residency.
Best Path for You
Your current status and life goals will decide the best path for you. Some people may need to talk to an immigration lawyer to find the best option based on their unique situation.
Ready to Extend Your Stay?
Take the first step to extend your stay in Canada. Fill out our free online assessment to see if you can extend or apply for a new work permit.
