If you are a foreign worker in Canada, your work permit is more than just a document. It is the legal foundation for everything you do while working here. IRCC recently reminded foreign workers to understand their permit conditions, extend on time, and change conditions when needed. This guide breaks down what each of those three obligations actually means in practice.
These rules apply to anyone holding a work permit in Canada, whether you are on a closed permit tied to one employer or an open permit with broader flexibility. Getting any one of these steps wrong can result in losing your status, being flagged for unauthorized work, or facing removal. Here is what you need to know.
What Your Work Permit Conditions Actually Mean
Every work permit issued by IRCC includes specific conditions printed directly on the document. These are not suggestions. They are legal requirements you must follow for the entire time you are in Canada on that permit.
The most common conditions include which employer you can work for, which occupation you can work in, and which province or city you are authorized to work in. On a closed work permit, for example, you cannot simply switch to a different employer because a better job came along. You must apply to change your conditions first and receive approval before starting that new role.
Open work permits, such as those issued to spouses of international students or certain skilled workers, give you more flexibility. But even open permits can carry restrictions. Some open permits prohibit work in certain occupations, such as jobs in childcare or healthcare settings, for eligibility or public policy reasons. Always read your permit carefully and check the back of the document as well as any attached conditions sheet.
If you work outside your conditions, even accidentally, IRCC can consider this unauthorized work. That finding can affect future applications for extensions, permanent residence, or even re-entry to Canada. The IRCC website has official guidance on how conditions are applied and what counts as a violation.
Apply to Extend at Least 30 Days Before Your Permit Expires
IRCC's reminder is specific on this point: apply to extend your work permit at least 30 days before it expires. This is the minimum buffer you should give yourself, not the ideal window. Many immigration professionals recommend applying 90 to 120 days before expiry, because processing times can vary significantly depending on the permit type and your situation.
The reason the 30-day rule matters so much is the concept of maintained status, also called implied status. If you submit your extension application before your current permit expires, you are legally allowed to continue working under the same conditions while IRCC processes your new application. This protection only applies if you applied before the expiry date. If your permit expires and you have not yet applied, you lose the right to work and may fall out of status entirely.
You can check current IRCC processing times for work permit extensions directly on the government website. Processing times in mid-2026 vary from a few weeks for some streams to several months for others. Build that time into your planning now, not when you are two weeks away from expiry.
The application to extend is filed online through the IRCC secure account using form IMM 1249. You will need a copy of your current permit, your passport, any supporting employment documents, and proof of the fee payment. The current fee to extend a work permit is $155.
How to Change Your Work Permit Conditions
Changing jobs, moving to a different province, or switching occupations while holding a closed work permit all require you to apply to change your conditions before making the move. You cannot start working under new conditions simply because your new employer has submitted a Labour Market Impact Assessment or because you have a written job offer in hand.
The application to change conditions uses the same process as an extension. You apply online through your IRCC secure account, pay the applicable fee, and wait for a decision. While your application is in process, you must continue working under your existing conditions, or not work at all if your current permit does not authorize the work you want to do.
There are situations where IRCC allows a change of conditions at the port of entry, but this is limited to specific circumstances. Do not assume this applies to your case. Apply online and get the updated permit in writing before changing anything about your work situation. Visit the IRCC Help Centre if you are unsure which application type fits your situation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I keep working after my work permit expires?
Working after your permit has expired, without having applied for an extension before it expired, is considered unauthorized work in Canada. This can affect future immigration applications and your overall admissibility.
Can I switch employers while my extension is being processed?
Only if your new employer and role fall within your existing permit conditions. On a closed permit, your conditions are tied to your current employer. Switching employers requires a separate change of conditions application.
Does implied status let me travel outside Canada?
No. If you leave Canada while on implied status, you lose that protection. You would need your new permit in hand before re-entering Canada to continue working legally.
What is the work permit extension fee in 2026?
The fee is $155 per applicant, paid at the time of online application through the IRCC secure account.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: July 7, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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