Who can extend

Who can apply

This application is for you if you

• want to extend your work permit
• need to make changes to the conditions on your work permit, such as
  • the type of work you can do
  • the employer you can work for
  • where you can work
    • This includes restrictions because you needed a medical exam. For instance, you received an open work permit with restrictions on working in health care because you hadn’t completed a medical exam.
    • You can remove the conditions on where you can work once you get a medical exam.
• need to change your gender on your work permit
  • If you identify as a different gender than the one on your work permit, use this application and include the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.47 MB).
  • If we made a mistake on your work permit, you can ask to amend a valid temporary resident document.

If you don’t have a work permit but want to work in Canada temporarily, find out what you need to do.

Employer-specific work permits

You need to apply to extend or change the conditions of your work permit if:

• your job is extended
• there are changes to your current job, such as:
  • a change in your pay
  • new responsibilities
• you’re offered a different job
• you want to work for a new employer

You can’t start working at a different job or for a new employer until you get your work permit with the new conditions.

Open work permits

If you have an open work permit, you may be able to extend it as long as you’re still eligible to work in Canada with an open work permit.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
• applied for permanent residence in Canada
• are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
• are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• are under an unenforceable removal order
• are a temporary resident permit holder
• are a young worker participating in special programs