How to opt-in to an automatic extension for an open work permit
You may qualify for a special measure that makes it easier and faster for you to get an extension to your existing open work permit. If you’re eligible, we’ll email you an invitation to opt in to this process.
You must opt in through your IRCC secure account between June 7, 2023, and June 28, 2023.
If your extension is approved, we’ll mail you a new work permit by July 31, 2023. There are no fees for this work permit.
If your extension isn’t approved, you will be notified by email by July 31, 2023. If you receive this email, you must apply to extend your work permit.
Opt-in period begins June 7, 2023, and ends June 28, 2023
What you need to do
- Check your email, including your junk folder, for messages from an email address that ends in @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca.
- Review the conditions in the email and make sure they apply to you:
- You live in Canada.
- The mailing address on the letter is correct.
- You have an open work permit that expires between August 1 and December 31, 2023.
- You have a passport valid for at least 18 months past the expiration of your current work permit.
- You have valid biometrics (you can check them here). You have and maintain your temporary resident status at all times.
- Please ensure that your passport information is up to date and has an expiration date of at least 18 months past the expiration date of your current work permit.
- Log in to your IRCC secure account.
- Scroll down to “Start an application” and select “Opt-in” to stay and work in Canada for an additional 18 months from the date your current work permit expires.
- Make sure that you update your passport information.
Only opt in once
If you opt in more than once, there could be errors, and you could lose your application.
How long it will take to get the work permit
If you successfully opted in, you’ll get a message in your secure account to tell you that a work permit is being mailed to you. You should get your work permit at your mailing address by the end of July 2023.
If you don’t get your work permit by July 31, 2023, contact us using our web form. Complete all required fields and include “OWP2023” in the text box.
How to apply for a work permit if you don’t opt in
If you don’t opt in before your work permit expires or you’re not eligible to opt in, you must apply using the regular process if you want to extend your work permit. Find out how to apply to extend your work permit.
If you have questions about these measures
Check if any of the scenarios below apply to you. If you can’t find an answer to your question below, you can contact us using the web form.
If you don’t see the option to opt in in your IRCC secure account
If you don’t see the option to opt in in your IRCC secure account, it means that you’re not eligible for the automatic extension. You must apply to extend your work permit through the regular process. Find out how to apply to extend your work permit.
If you opted in to the simplified process, but your automatic extension was not successful
We’ll send you an email to let you know that your automatic extension was not successful. Your automatic extension may be unsuccessful for reasons such as
- not having a valid passport
- not having valid biometrics
If you still want a work permit, you can still apply for an extension using the regular process. Find out how to apply to extend your work permit.
If you don’t want an extended work permit
Don’t opt in for the extended work permit or submit an application for a new open work permit.
If you need a new social insurance number
To get or renew your social insurance number (SIN), you need to provide a digital copy of your work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Once you receive your work permit, apply online for your SIN.
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