Renewing Your Work Permit while in Canada
Renewing Your Work Permit while in Canada
A Canadian work permit is a legal document that allows an individual to work in Canada for a specific period. To obtain a work permit, it is necessary to have secured a job with a Canadian employer. The employer must have received a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which allows them to hire skilled international workers for positions that are not readily filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Once you have a Canadian work permit, you can travel around the country, obtain visas for family members, earn a good income, and pursue the possibility of permanent residency in the future. If you already have a Canadian work permit and are seeking to renew it while in Canada, this article will guide you through the process.
Before proceeding, it is essential to note that Canadian visa officers may consider several factors when evaluating a temporary work permit application. These factors include:
1. The duration of validity of the permit
2. The nature of work the permit holder is authorized to undertake
3. The specific employers the foreign worker can work for
4. Geographical locations in which the foreign worker is permitted to work
5. Certain days or times during which the foreign worker can or cannot work
All work permit holders must meet specific requirements, including:
1. They may not work for, or extend their employment with, an employer who is ineligible or on the list of ineligible employers.
2. They may not work for or extend their employment with a company that offers services like stripteases, escort services, erotic massages, or any form of erotic dances.
Violating either of these rules will result in the revocation of the work permit.
The Canadian visa officer’s ability to add conditions to a work permit may be altered in cases where the foreign worker applicant is eligible for an open work permit or required to undergo a medical examination.
Duration of a Canadian Temporary Work Permit
Usually, work permits remain valid for a period of 1-2 years, but the Canadian visa officer reserves the right to change the validity period based on specific conditions, including:
1. The expiration date of the worker’s passport or travel document. In general, the visa officer will not authorize a work permit with a longer validity period than the passport’s validity.
2. The worker’s means of support in Canada
3. The duration of their intended stay
4. The validity period of their LMIA or Certificat d’acceptation de Quebec, if applicable
5. The expected length of their employment
6. The maximum work permit validity period allowed under any relevant program or agreement
If all conditions are satisfied and a work permit is issued, Canadian visa officers will grant the longest possible validity period based on the above factors.
Extending Your Work Permit while in Canada
If your work permit is nearing its expiry date or requires changes, you must apply to either renew or change its conditions. This application must be made at least 30 days before the current work permit expires.
Notably, if you apply to extend or change the conditions of your work permit before the expiry date, you are legally allowed to stay in Canada while your application is being processed.
Who Can Apply for a Renewal of Work Permit in Canada?
This application is for individuals:
1. Who wish to renew their work permit
2. Who wish to make changes to the terms of their work permit, such as the kind of job they can do, the employer they can work for, or the location where they can work.
3. With restrictions on their work permit, such as restrictions due to a medical examination.
4. Who need to update their gender information on their work permit.
For employer-specific permits, it is necessary to submit an application to either extend its duration or modify its conditions in the following cases:
1. Your current job is extended
2. There are changes to your present job, such as a change in your salary or additional duties.
3. You receive an offer for a different job
4. You intend to work for a new employer.
How to Apply to Renew Your Work Permit in Canada?
You can apply online to extend or renew your stay in Canada. However, you must meet specific conditions to maintain your status and remain in Canada until your application is completely processed:
1. Your extension application must be submitted online unless you are exempted from doing so.
2. The application must be completed by including biometrics fees and other applicable requirements.
3. You have to apply before your temporary residence status expires.
Note that the fees for application start from $155, and the processing time may be approximately 134 days. This may vary depending on specific factors peculiar to your circumstances.
Also, you must book your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collection appointment as soon as possible to avoid any processing delays.
Before applying, ensure your employer has completed their part of the process to avoid any problems. Follow these steps to apply for a renewal or extension:
1. Apply Online: It is recommended to apply online rather than on paper because you can verify if your application is complete before submitting it. You will also receive a letter (WP-EXT except PGWP) that shows you can continue working under the same conditions as your current work permit.
2. Get Your Documents Ready: Prepare the necessary documents relevant to your application. You should have a scanner or camera to make digital copies of your documents.
3. Answer the Questions: Before applying, read the instruction guide to help you with your application. Answer the questions on your screen correctly before uploading your documents. Your answers will be used to create a personalized document checklist.
4. Pay the Fees: You are required to pay your fees online using your debit or credit card at the end of the application. Your fees usually include processing fees for you and anyone you wish to include on your application.
After creating your account, you can use it to track your application.
Conclusion
If your Canadian work permit is nearing expiration, it is essential to renew it or change its conditions if necessary. This article has guided you through the process of renewing your Canadian work permit while in Canada. Following the guidelines outlined in this article will help you extend your work permit without unnecessary stress.
Remember to apply online, gather required documents, answer questions correctly, and pay the necessary fees. Ensure your employer has completed their part of the process, and book your biometrics appointment promptly to avoid delays.
By renewing your work permit, you can continue working in Canada, travel freely, and pursue permanent residency in the future.
