The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Extending Your Canada Work Permit: Process, Fees, and Maintained Status

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If you have a Canadian work permit that is about to expire, you must apply to extend it at least 30 days before the expiry date to maintain your legal status . As of early 2026, processing times for within-Canada work permit extensions have reached approximately 241 days . However, if you apply on time, you benefit from maintained status (formerly known as implied status), which allows you to continue working under the same conditions while you wait for a decision .

Key Fact	Details
Application Fee	$155 (plus $100 for open permits, $85 for biometrics if applicable)
Processing Time	~241 days (as of early 2026)
Deadline to Apply	At least 30 days before your permit expires
Maintained Status	You can keep working under the same conditions if you apply before expiry
Restoration Window	90 days if you miss the expiry deadline (but you cannot work during this time)

Critical Warning: If you miss the expiry deadline by even one day, you lose maintained status and must stop working immediately. You have a 90-day grace period to apply for restoration, but you cannot work until your status is restored .

1. Do You Need to Extend or Change Your Work Permit?

You should apply to extend or change your work permit if:

• Your current work permit is about to expire (within the next 90 days)
• You have a new employer and need to change the conditions on your permit
• You have a new job offer and your current permit is employer-specific
• You have applied for permanent residence and need a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Your permit was shortened due to passport expiry and you have renewed your passport

You cannot extend a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) except in very limited circumstances (e.g., it was shortened due to passport expiry) .

2. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you still meet the requirements for your specific work permit type. For employer-specific permits, your employer may need to obtain a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submit a new offer of employment through the Employer Portal .

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Document	Notes
Valid passport	IRCC will not issue a permit longer than your passport's validity
Current work permit	Scan of your existing permit
Digital photo	Must meet IRCC specifications
Employment documents	Job offer, LMIA (if applicable), or employer compliance fee receipt
Proof of fees payment	$155 (extension) + $100 (if open permit) + $85 (biometrics if required)

Step 3: Complete the IMM 5710 Form

This is the core application form for extending or changing your work permit. See Section 3 below for detailed instructions on how to fill it out .

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Most applications must be submitted online through your IRCC Secure Account (using GCKey or Sign-In Partner). Paper applications are only accepted in very limited circumstances .

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Work permit extension	$155
Open work permit holder fee (if applicable)	$100
Biometrics fee (if applicable)	$85
Restoration of status (if expired)	$229.77

Step 6: Wait for Processing

You can check your application status online. As of early 2026, processing times are approximately 241 days . If you applied before your permit expired, you have maintained status and can continue working .

3. The IMM 5710 Form: A Complete Walkthrough

The Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) is the standard form for work permit extensions . Here is a section-by-section guide to filling it out correctly.

How to Download and Open the Form

• Use a computer – The form may not open on tablets or mobile phones .
• Save the form to your computer before filling it out.
• Open with Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher – Do not fill it out in your web browser .

Section-by-Section Instructions

Questions 1-3: Application Details

Field	Instructions
Q1: UCI	Enter your Unique Client Identifier (8 or 10 digits). Found on your work permit under "Country of Citizenship" .
Q2: Language	Select English or French for service.
Q3: Applying for	Check the appropriate box: • "A work permit with the same employer" – for extensions • "An initial work permit or a work permit with a new employer" – for changes • "Restoration of your status as a worker" – if your permit has already expired • For open work permits (PGWP, BOWP), select the option that best matches your situation .

Personal Details (Questions 1-10)

Field	Instructions
Full name	Enter your family name (surname) as on your passport. If no family name, enter all given names here and leave given name blank. Enter given names as on passport .
Nicknames/Alias	Check "Yes" if you have ever used any other name (maiden name, nickname, etc.).
Gender	Select F, M, or X. If different from previous Canadian documents, you may need the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form .
Date of birth	Enter year, month, day. Use "*" for unknown parts.
Place of birth	City/town and country.
Country of citizenship	Select the country that issued your passport for this trip.
Immigration status in Canada	Select "Worker" if you have a valid work permit. For out-of-status applicants: select "Other" and type "Out-of-status – restoration" .
Previous countries lived in	Check "Yes" if you have lived outside your country of citizenship or Canada for more than 6 months in the past 5 years. Provide details.
Marital status	Select from: Annulled Marriage, Common-Law, Divorced, Legally Separated, Married, Single, Widowed. For common-law, include IMM 5409 form. For married, include marriage certificate .
Previous relationships	Check "Yes" if previously married or in a common-law relationship. Provide details of previous spouse/partner.

Language (Questions 1-3)

Field	Instructions
Native language	Select your first language. If not English/French, indicate which you use mostly.
Ability to communicate	Select English, French, Both, or Neither.
Language test	Check "Yes" if you have taken a designated language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).

Passport (Questions 1-6)

Field	Instructions
Passport number	Enter exactly as shown, with no spaces .
Country of issue	Select the country that issued your passport.
Issue date	As shown on your passport.
Expiry date	As shown on your passport. IRCC will not issue a permit beyond this date .
Taiwan passport	Check if applicable.
Israeli passport	Check if applicable.

National Identity Document (Questions 1-5)

Enter your national ID document information if you have one. This is optional but recommended.

US PR Card (Questions 1-3)

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US with a valid green card, enter your document number and expiry date.

Contact Information (Question 1)

Enter your current mailing address in Canada. Include:

• Post Office Box (if applicable)
• Street number, street name
• Apartment/unit (if applicable)
• City, province, postal code
• Country (Canada)

Validation and Submission

• Click the "Validate" button at the top or bottom of the form .
• Missing fields will be outlined in red.
• A barcode page will appear when the form is complete.
• For online applications: Upload the validated form (do not print).
• For paper applications: Print including barcode page and place on top.

4. Understanding Maintained Status (Formerly Implied Status)

What Is Maintained Status?

Maintained status is a legal protection that allows you to continue living and working in Canada under the same conditions as your original permit while IRCC processes your extension application . It applies automatically if you meet the following conditions:

Condition	Requirement
Timely application	You submitted a complete extension application before your current permit expired
Stay in Canada	You remain in Canada while the application is processing
Same conditions	You continue to work for the same employer, in the same occupation, with the same hours

What You Can and Cannot Do on Maintained Status

Can Do ✅	Cannot Do ❌
Continue working for the same employer	Change employers (unless applying for an open permit)
Work the same hours	Work in a different occupation
Stay in Canada legally	Leave Canada (maintained status ends when you leave)
Apply for SIN extensions (with proof of maintained status)	Apply for provincial health insurance (you may need private coverage)

How to Prove Maintained Status to Your Employer

IRCC does not issue a document confirming maintained status. However, you can show your employer:

1. Your submitted application confirmation
2. Proof of payment of fees
3. A letter explaining maintained status (available on the IRCC website) 

What Happens After IRCC Makes a Decision?

Decision	Result
Approved	You receive a new work permit. Maintained status ends.
Refused	Your maintained status ends immediately. You must stop working. You may have 90 days to apply for restoration .

Important: The 2025 Rule Changes

Effective May 28, 2025, IRCC tightened the rules for maintained status :

• Incomplete applications will be returned. If your permit expires while you are correcting the application, you lose maintained status.
• Second applications filed after a refusal do not "rescue" your status. You may be considered out of status.

Bottom line: Submit a complete, accurate application the first time. There are no second chances.

5. What Happens If You Miss the Deadline (Restoration of Status)

You Have 90 Days to Restore Your Status

If your work permit expires and you did not apply for an extension on time, you lose your status immediately. However, you have a 90-day grace period to apply for restoration .

Restoration Requirement	Details
Apply within 90 days	Counted from the date you lost status
Meet original requirements	You must still qualify for the permit type you are applying for
No work or study	You cannot work or study while waiting for a restoration decision
Pay restoration fee	$229.77 (plus the regular application fee)
Explain the lapse	Provide a clear explanation of why you missed the deadline

How to Apply for Restoration

1. Fill out the IMM 5710 form.
2. In Question 3, check "Restoration of your status as a worker" .
3. Under "Current status" (Question 7), select "Other" and type "Out-of-status – restoration" .
4. Pay the $229.77 restoration fee plus the $155 work permit fee.
5. Include a letter explaining why you missed the deadline and how you will comply in the future.

If Restoration Is Refused

If IRCC refuses your restoration application:

• You remain out of status.
• You may be asked to leave Canada.
• You may face a removal order.

Seek legal advice immediately if your restoration is refused .

6. Special Cases: PGWP, BOWP, IEC, and TR-to-PR

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Can you extend a PGWP?	Details
Generally, NO	PGWPs are one-time permits and cannot be extended .
Exception: Passport expiry	If your PGWP was shortened because your passport expired, you can apply for an extension after renewing your passport .
Exception: TR-to-PR pathway	Some TR-to-PR applicants may be eligible for open work permits until December 31, 2026 .

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A BOWP allows you to continue working while your permanent residence application is being processed. It is an open permit, meaning you can work for any employer .

BOWP Eligibility Requirements	Details
Pending PR application	You have submitted a complete PR application (Express Entry, PNP, etc.)
Current permit expiring within 4 months	Your work permit must be valid for at least 4 months from the date you apply for the BOWP
In Canada	You must be physically present in Canada when applying
PR application passed completeness check	IRCC has confirmed your PR application is complete

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Extension Rule	Details
Generally cannot extend	IEC permits are for a fixed duration based on your country's agreement .
Exception: Passport expiry	You can extend if your original permit was shortened due to passport expiry.
2026 streamlined process	You can now receive extended permits by mail without leaving Canada .
Multiple participations	Some countries allow multiple IEC participations if you remain within age eligibility (18-35) .

TR-to-PR Pathway Applicants

If you applied under the 2021 Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident pathway, you have a special extension until December 31, 2026 .

Benefit	Details
Extended deadline	You can apply for an open work permit valid until December 31, 2026
Covers family members	Accompanying family members are also eligible
Cost savings	Avoids multiple renewal applications over several years
Application required	You must still apply – it is not automatic

7. Traveling While Your Application Is Processing

The Golden Rule: Do Not Leave Canada

If you leave Canada while on maintained status, you lose your maintained status immediately .

Scenario	What Happens
Leave Canada after permit expires but before new permit is approved	You lose maintained status. You cannot work until the new permit is approved. You may be allowed to re-enter as a visitor if you have a valid visitor visa or eTA .
Leave Canada before permit expires	You can re-enter as a worker (if you have a valid work permit). However, your extension application may be considered abandoned.
Leave Canada after new permit is approved	You can travel normally.

Best advice: Do not plan any international travel from the time you submit your extension application until you receive your new work permit .

8. Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid
Missing the expiry deadline by even one day	Loss of maintained status; must stop working; may need restoration	Apply at least 30 days before expiry
Submitting an incomplete application	Application returned; if permit expires in meantime, you lose status	Double-check all fields; use the "Validate" button
Leaving Canada while on maintained status	Loss of maintained status; cannot work until new permit arrives	Do not travel internationally
Applying for the wrong permit type	Refusal; potential loss of status	Carefully review eligibility for your situation
Passport expiry too soon	New permit will be shortened to match passport expiry	Renew your passport before applying
Not providing a valid job offer or LMIA	Refusal (for employer-specific permits)	Ensure employer documents are current and complete

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How early should I apply to extend my work permit?

You should apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. However, with current processing times of 241 days, applying 90 days in advance is recommended .

What is the fee to extend a work permit?

The base fee is $155. If you are applying for an open work permit, there is an additional $100 fee. Biometrics cost $85 if required .

Can I keep working if my permit expires while my extension is processing?

Yes – if you applied before your permit expired. This is called maintained status. You can continue working under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision .

What if my work permit has already expired?

You have a 90-day grace period to apply for restoration of status. You cannot work during this time, and you must pay an additional $229.77 restoration fee .

Can I extend my Post-Graduation Work Permit?

Generally, no. PGWPs are one-time permits. The only exception is if your original permit was shortened due to passport expiry .

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A BOWP is an open work permit available to certain permanent residence applicants (e.g., Express Entry, PNP) whose work permit is expiring within 4 months. It allows you to work for any employer while your PR application processes .

Can I travel outside Canada while my extension application is processing?

You can, but it is strongly discouraged. If you leave Canada after your permit expires, you lose maintained status and cannot work until your new permit is approved .

How do I prove to my employer that I can keep working?

Show your employer your submitted application confirmation and explain maintained status. IRCC does not issue a specific document for maintained status .

What happens if IRCC refuses my extension application?

You must stop working immediately. You have 90 days to apply for restoration of status (if eligible) or leave Canada .

Where can I find the official application form?

The IMM 5710 form is available on the official IRCC website. Always download the latest version .

10. Official Resources

Resource	Link
IMM 5710 Form and Guide	Canada.ca (search "IMM 5710")
IRCC Help Centre – Extending Work Permits	Canada.ca (search "extend work permit help centre")
Check Processing Times	Canada.ca (search "IRCC processing times")
IRCC Secure Account (Apply Online)	Canada.ca (search "IRCC sign in")

Bottom Line

Extending your Canadian work permit requires careful planning and attention to deadlines.

Key takeaways for 2026:

Do This ✅	Avoid This ❌
Apply at least 30 days before expiry	Missing the expiry deadline
Submit a complete, validated IMM 5710 form	Leaving Canada while on maintained status
Stay in Canada while your application processes	Submitting incomplete documentation
Renew your passport before applying	Assuming a PGWP can be extended
Pay the correct fees ($155 + possible extras)	Working after a refusal without restoration

Remember: Processing times are long (241 days), but maintained status protects you if you apply on time. The system is designed to keep you working legally while IRCC processes your application – but only if you follow the rules.

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