In Canada, a Work Permit is a document that allows a foreign national to work in the country for a specific period of time and for a specific employer. A Work Permit Extension is the process of extending the validity of a Work Permit beyond its original expiry date.
To apply for a Work Permit Extension, a foreign national must first ensure that they are eligible for the extension. Eligibility criteria can include factors such as the type of work being done, the duration of the work, and the individual’s immigration status.
Once foreign national has determined that they are eligible for a Work Permit Extension, they can submit an application to the Government of Canada. The application process typically involves providing personal information, proof of employment, and paying the required fee.
It is important to note that a work permit extension does not guarantee PR (Permanent Residency) status, However, if you are already in Canada and have been working for a long time in Canada and meet the eligibility criteria for PR, you may be able to apply for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program or other programs.
Who can apply for Work Permit Extension
A foreign national who is currently in Canada with a valid Work Permit can apply for a Work Permit Extension. Additionally, the following criteria must be met:
- The foreign national must have a valid job offer from the same employer for whom they currently work.
- The foreign national must have a valid LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or be exempt from the LMIA requirement.
- The foreign national’s work permit must not have been issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which includes certain work permit exemptions for specific groups of foreign workers.
- The foreign national must not be inadmissible to Canada on criminal or security grounds.
It is also important to note that foreign nationals must apply for an extension before their current work permit expires.
It is important to note that a work permit extension does not guarantee Permanent Residency status, However, if you are already in Canada and have been working for a long time in Canada and meet the eligibility criteria for PR, you may be able to apply for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program or other programs.
How to apply for Work Permit Extension
To apply for a Work Permit Extension in Canada, a foreign national must follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary documents: This includes the foreign national’s current Work Permit, valid job offer letter, valid LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or proof of LMIA exemption, and proof of payment for the application fee.
- Complete the application form: The foreign national must fill out the appropriate application form for a Work Permit Extension, which can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.
- Submit the application: The foreign national must submit their completed application form, along with all of the required documents, to the Government of Canada. This can be done online or by mail.
- Wait for a decision: The Government of Canada will review the foreign national’s application and make a decision. The foreign national will be notified of the decision by mail or email.
- If approved, pay the fee and get the extension: If the foreign national’s application is approved, they will be required to pay the fee and will be issued a new work permit.
It is important to note that the processing time for a Work Permit Extension can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the workload of the visa office. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply well in advance of the expiration date on your current work permit.
It is also important to note that a work permit extension does not guarantee Permanent Residency status, However, if you are already in Canada and have been working for a long time in Canada and meet the eligibility criteria for PR, you may be able to apply for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program or other programs.
Where we can apply for a work permit extension
The official website for the Government of Canada’s immigration and citizenship services is https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html.
On this website, you can find information on various immigration programs, including the process for applying for a Work Permit Extension. You can also find the application forms and guidelines for the extension process.
It is important to note that the official website for Canadian immigration is constantly updating the information and process, so it’s always a good idea to check the website for the most current and accurate information.
