Extend or change the conditions on your work permit: What to do if your permit expires

What to do if your permit expires

If your permit expires after you apply

If you apply to extend your work permit before it expires, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. In this situation, you have implied status.

If your permit expired before you applied

You lost your status if you’re still in Canada and:

• your permit expired before you applied for
  • a new work permit
  • a study permit
  • to stay in Canada as a visitor
• you didn’t respect the conditions of your permit.

In some cases, you may apply to restore your status as a worker if you:

• apply within 90 days of losing your status
• keep meeting the requirements for your stay
• have met all the conditions listed on your permit, and
• pay your fees
  • restoration ($200) and
  • work permit ($155) and
  • open work permit holder ($100) if you are applying for an open work permit

When you apply to extend your work permit:

• on the form IMM 5710, under section 3 “I am applying for one or more of the following:”, select make sure you also choose:
  • Restore my status as a worker
• give details of your situation
• clearly explain why you stayed in Canada longer than allowed

There’s no guarantee we’ll accept your application.

Family members

If your family members also lost their status, they must each apply (and pay) to get it restored.

You may stay in Canada while we make a decision on your application, but you aren’t allowed to work until your status has been restored.