A Canadian Work Permit (WP) allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific period. Unlike permanent residency, work permits have a fixed expiry date, and once that date approaches or passes, your legal status in Canada may be affected.

If your work permit is about to expire or has already expired, it’s essential to understand your options. Can you remain in Canada? Can you continue working? What pathways exist to maintain your legal status?

At LandBird Immigration Services, we explain what happens when your work permit expires, how maintained status works, how to apply for an extension, and alternative immigration options.

Maintained Status: Continuing to Work Legally After Your Permit Expires

If you submit your work permit extension before your current permit expires, you may be eligible to stay in Canada and continue working while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your application. This is known as maintained status (formerly called “implied status”).

Under maintained status, you can:

• Remain in Canada legally until IRCC makes a decision on your extension.

• Continue working under the same conditions as your expired permit (e.g., same employer and role for employer-specific permits).

Eligibility for Maintained Status:

• Your extension application must be filed before your permit expires.

• You are not changing your immigration status (e.g., worker → visitor or student).

• Applications are submitted inland using IMM 5710. Applications submitted from outside Canada using IMM 1295 or through the IEC program do not qualify for maintained status.

If you apply on time but request a status change (e.g., worker → visitor), you may stay in Canada while awaiting a decision, but you must stop working once your permit expires.

Maintained status helps avoid interruptions in employment and ensures legal stay, but strict compliance with IRCC rules is critical to protect your immigration record.

Extending Your Canadian Work Permit

To continue working in Canada, you must apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires. Submitting your application on time helps maintain legal status and may allow you to continue working under maintained status while your application is processed.

How to Apply for a Work Permit Extension (Online)

Most extensions are submitted online via the IRCC portal:

1. Create an IRCC online account.

2. Complete the required application forms.

3. Upload supporting documents.

4. Pay the applicable government fees.

While paper applications are possible in limited cases, the online process is faster and more efficient.

Eligibility to Extend Your Work Permit

You cannot extend your work permit simply to work longer. To qualify, you must meet IRCC’s eligibility requirements.

To apply for an extension from within Canada, you must:

• Hold a valid work permit at the time of application.

• Comply with the conditions of your current permit (e.g., job type, employer restrictions, or open work eligibility).

Applying early and ensuring all requirements are met is the best way to avoid interruptions in employment and maintain your legal status in Canada.

At LandBird Immigration Services, we guide clients through every step of work permit extensions, maintained status, and alternative immigration pathways helping you stay compliant, employed, and confident while living in Canada.