Extend or change the conditions on your work permit: How to apply

COVID-19: workers changing jobs or employers

You may not need to wait until your new employer-specific work permit arrives to start a new job or work for a new employer. If you’re eligible, you may start working after you get an approval email.

Ukrainian nationals and their family members in Canada

If you need to apply for a work permit, extend your work permit or remove the job restrictions on it, follow these special instructions.

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

How to apply

Before you apply, make sure your employer has completed all the required steps.

If you need to leave Canada and plan to return

If your visitor visa expired, you need to apply for a new visitor visa before you’ll be able to travel back to Canada. You don’t automatically get a new visa when you apply to extend or change your work permit.

In most cases, you must apply online to extend or change the conditions on your work permit.

How applying online helps you

  • You can make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
  • You’ll get a letter (WP-EXT except PGWP) that proves you can keep working under the same conditions as your current work permit.
    • You won’t get this if you apply on paper because we won’t know if your application is complete until we review it.
  • No courier fees or mail delivery time — we get your application instantly.
  • You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
  • You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

  • a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
  • a valid credit or debit card.
If you can’t apply online

You can submit a paper application if either

  • you can’t apply online because of a disability
  • there’s a problem with the online application
    • In some cases, you may be able to apply online if you follow special instructions.

What to do if you have problems applying online

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Fees for open work permits

If you’re applying for an open work permit, make sure you pay both fees:

Step 5: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

Create an account or sign in

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