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 .
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
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
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
Personal Details (Questions 1-10)
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)
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:
What You Can and Cannot Do on Maintained Status
How to Prove Maintained Status to Your Employer
IRCC does not issue a document confirming maintained status. However, you can show your employer:
- Your submitted application confirmation
- Proof of payment of fees
- A letter explaining maintained status (available on the IRCC website)
What Happens After IRCC Makes a Decision?
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 .
How to Apply for Restoration
- Fill out the IMM 5710 form.
- In Question 3, check "Restoration of your status as a worker" .
- Under "Current status" (Question 7), select "Other" and type "Out-of-status – restoration" .
- Pay the $229.77 restoration fee plus the $155 work permit fee.
- 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)
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 .
International Experience Canada (IEC)
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 .
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
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
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.