Work Permit Extension
Support for foreign workers extending their work permit to continue working in Canada without interruption.
Overview
Work permits are issued for a fixed period, and many foreign workers need to extend their permit to continue working for the same employer, switch employers, or maintain their status while a permanent residence application is in progress. Applying for an extension before your current permit expires is essential to avoid a gap in your authorization to work.
Depending on your situation, a work permit extension may require a new or updated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), continued eligibility under an LMIA-exempt category, or evidence that your circumstances still meet the conditions of your original permit. If you apply before your permit expires, you may be able to continue working under maintained status while IRCC processes your extension.
Ginger Immigration assists workers and employers across BC with work permit extensions - reviewing your eligibility, coordinating any required LMIA renewal, and preparing a complete extension application so you can keep working in Canada without disruption.
How the Process Works
- 1Initial consultation & eligibility assessment
- 2Document preparation & review
- 3Application submission
- 4Follow-up & IRCC communication
- 5Decision & next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep working while my work permit extension is being processed?
If you apply for your extension before your current work permit expires, you can generally continue working under the same conditions while IRCC processes your application, under what's known as maintained status.
Do I need a new LMIA to extend my work permit?
It depends on your work permit category. LMIA-based permits generally require a new or extended LMIA, while LMIA-exempt permits may only need updated supporting documents. We can assess which applies to your situation.
Can I extend my work permit with a different employer?
Yes, in many cases, though the process and requirements depend on your specific work permit category. A closed (employer-specific) work permit generally requires a new application tied to the new employer.
Ready to start your immigration journey?
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