My permit expires next month
There is still time to file an extension, trigger maintained status, or pivot to a Bridging Open Work Permit if a PR application is in queue.
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Work permit expiring
Your Work Permit Is Expiring? Don't lose your legal status in Canada.
Professional RCIC guidance and a free eligibility assessment — extensions, LMIA, Bridging Open Work Permits, PNP and PR pathways reviewed on one file, against your real timeline.
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Important — read first
An expiring work permit does not automatically mean you must leave Canada.
Every year, thousands of workers assume their only option is to depart when their permit runs out. In practice, most workers with a stable employer, Canadian experience or a Canadian family relationship have multiple pathways to remain and to keep working — provided the right application is filed on time.
Extension of the current work permit
Maintained status (application filed before expiry)
Restoration of status within 90 days
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Employer-specific work permit
LMIA-supported permit
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Permanent residence pathways (Express Entry, PNP, sponsorship)
Plan by the calendar
The work permit expiry timeline
Every stage before and after expiry has a specific set of actions, risks and best-practice moves. Use this timeline to map where you are today and what to prioritise next.
180 Days Before Expiry
6 months out- Recommended actions
- Complete a full status review. Confirm your NOC classification and gather employment records. Discuss extension vs. permanent residence options with an RCIC. If an LMIA is needed, ask your employer to begin advertising.
- Risks
- Starting later than this often means running out of runway if the LMIA is refused or requires a re-submission.
- Best practices
- Book a strategy consultation. Confirm two parallel paths — one to secure your work permit, one toward PR.
90 Days Before Expiry
3 months out- Recommended actions
- Finalize supporting documents. If an LMIA is required, it should already be filed. Draft the work-permit-extension package. Confirm biometrics validity.
- Risks
- Filing after this window can push processing past your permit expiry, forcing reliance on maintained status.
- Best practices
- Submit the extension application (or new employer-specific permit) once the LMIA is issued.
60 Days Before Expiry
2 months out- Recommended actions
- If no application is filed yet, prioritize a same-conditions extension or a Bridging Open Work Permit request if a PR application is in queue.
- Risks
- Timelines for LMIA-supported permits typically exceed 60 days — waiting narrows your choices to open work permits and status changes.
- Best practices
- Verify implied status conditions with a licensed representative before booking any travel.
30 Days Before Expiry
1 month out- Recommended actions
- File any pending extension application immediately to trigger maintained status. If eligible, submit BOWP or spousal open work permit paperwork.
- Risks
- Missing this window usually means the applicant loses the ability to work legally on the day of expiry.
- Best practices
- Do not stop work without confirming maintained status is active — implied status ends the moment IRCC refuses.
Expiry Date
Deadline- Recommended actions
- Stop unauthorized work. If a new application was submitted in time, maintained status keeps you working under the same conditions until IRCC decides.
- Risks
- One day of unauthorized work can affect future work permit and PR applications and may trigger inadmissibility findings.
- Best practices
- Keep proof of the submitted application accessible to your employer and payroll team.
90-Day Restoration Period
After expiry- Recommended actions
- If status has lapsed, file a restoration application within 90 days. You cannot work while restoration is pending — plan finances and employer communication accordingly.
- Risks
- Restoration after 90 days is not available. Applicants must leave Canada and reapply from abroad.
- Best practices
- Combine restoration with a fresh work-permit application and a documented remediation plan.
Find your situation
Common work permit expiry scenarios
Choose the scenario that matches your file. Each card outlines the immediate consideration and the fastest next step with a licensed RCIC.
My employer wants to keep me
Confirm whether an LMIA, LMIA-exempt permit (CUSMA, intra-company transfer, IMP category) or a PNP employer-supported nomination is the best path forward.
Discuss employer optionsLMIA is still processing
Employment and Social Development Canada processing times fluctuate. Prepare a contingency plan — Visitor Record, restoration, or a parallel BOWP eligibility check.
Plan a contingencyI'm waiting for permanent residence
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may allow continued work while an eligible PR application is in queue with IRCC.
Check BOWP eligibilityMy PGWP is expiring
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is generally issued once. Explore Express Entry, PNP, LMIA-supported permits, spousal sponsorship or a Visitor Record.
Review PGWP pathwaysI hold a closed work permit
A closed permit ties you to one employer. Changing employers requires a new LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer and a new permit before you start.
Change employer safelyI hold an open work permit
Open permits can often be extended through spousal, BOWP or vulnerable-worker streams. Check the specific eligibility of your category.
Extend an open permitFamily-based work permit
Spouses and common-law partners of eligible workers, students or PR applicants may qualify for an open work permit tied to the principal's status.
Review family optionsIEC work permit
International Experience Canada permits are generally not extendable. Transition planning to an LMIA-supported permit or PR pathway should start early.
Plan an IEC transitionI need maintained status
Maintained status applies only when a valid application to extend or change status is filed before expiry — timing and correctness matter.
Confirm maintained statusI need to restore status
If your permit has already expired, restoration must be filed within 90 days. You cannot work while restoration is pending.
Start restoration Compare the pathways
Immigration options at a glance
Every case is different, but the mainstream pathways for a worker inside Canada fall into a small number of categories. Compare fit, timing and trade-offs, then confirm the right choice with a licensed RCIC.
| Option | Suitable for | Processing overview | Advantages | Considerations | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Extension | Workers with an eligible category whose employer is renewing. | Filed inside Canada; triggers maintained status if submitted before expiry. | Keeps existing conditions; continuity of employment. | Requires supporting documents (contract, pay history, sometimes LMIA). | Book a status review |
| Employer-specific Permit | Workers with an offer tied to a single Canadian employer. | New application; requires LMIA or LMIA-exempt basis. | Clear employer commitment; often supports later PR. | Cannot switch employer without a new permit. | Discuss employer support |
| LMIA-supported Permit | Employers willing to complete advertising and pay the LMIA fee. | ESDC assessment can range from several weeks to months. | Strong CRS boost for Express Entry when a positive LMIA is issued. | Advertising, wage floor and genuineness scrutiny apply. | Plan the LMIA |
| Open Work Permit | Spouses, BOWP applicants, vulnerable workers and select categories. | Filed by the applicant; category-specific eligibility applies. | Freedom to work for most employers in Canada. | Eligibility is category-driven — not everyone qualifies. | Check open-permit eligibility |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Applicants with an eligible PR application already in queue. | Filed while the current permit is still valid. | Keeps work authorization active during PR processing. | Only available for specific PR programs and stages. | Confirm BOWP eligibility |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | Spouses of Canadian citizens, PRs or eligible workers/students. | Inland or outland; often paired with sponsorship applications. | Flexible employer choice; ties to family life in Canada. | Requires proof of genuine relationship and eligibility of principal. | Review spousal pathway |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Workers meeting a province's labour and occupation criteria. | Provincial nomination first, then federal PR application. | Employer-supported streams strengthen retention plans. | Nomination is often tied to a specific employer or region. | Explore PNP streams |
| Express Entry | Skilled workers with competitive CRS and language scores. | Federal PR system; invitations via regular draws. | Direct PR pathway; enables long-term planning. | CRS competition varies by category and draw. | Assess Express Entry fit |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | Workers with an offer from a designated Atlantic employer. | Employer designation and endorsement precede PR application. | Streamlined path for eligible Atlantic hires. | Employer must be designated; occupation restrictions apply. | Check AIP eligibility |
| Rural Community Immigration Pilot | Workers targeted by participating rural communities. | Community recommendation before federal PR application. | Supports smaller-market employer retention. | Community caps and occupation focus apply. | Review rural options |
| Francophone Mobility Pathway | Francophone workers outside Quebec with qualifying French ability. | LMIA-exempt work permit category under IMP. | Faster processing; no LMIA required for eligible offers. | French proficiency must be documented. | Discuss francophone route |
| Visitor Record | Workers who need to remain in Canada legally without working. | Filed inside Canada; changes status from worker to visitor. | Buys legal time to prepare a stronger next application. | No work authorization; medical and family logistics matter. | Plan a status change |
| Restoration of Status | Workers within 90 days of an expired permit. | Restoration application with fees and remediation plan. | Preserves ability to remain and reapply from inside Canada. | No work authorization during restoration; strict deadline. | Start restoration |
Free eligibility snapshot
Ten questions before you decide
These are the questions a licensed RCIC will ask on a first call. Prepare your answers, then run the full assessment to receive personalised pathway recommendations.
- 1What type of work permit do you currently hold?
- 2What is your permit's exact expiry date?
- 3Which province are you working in?
- 4Do you have a current Canadian employer?
- 5Does your employer have an LMIA or is one in process?
- 6Have you submitted a permanent residence application?
- 7Do you have a provincial nomination or nomination in progress?
- 8Are you currently inside Canada?
- 9Do you have a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen, PR, or authorized worker/student?
- 10Have you had any prior refusals, misrepresentation findings, or inadmissibility issues?
Complete the full assessment
Our secure assessment runs the same logic our RCIC team uses in a paid review — free, confidential and no obligation.
Complete Full Assessment Prepare your file
Documents commonly required
Exact requirements vary by pathway, but the following documents are frequently requested. Preparing them early prevents last-minute application delays.
Valid Passport
Machine-readable pages; must cover the intended permit validity.
Current Work Permit
Include IMM 1442 and any correction letters.
Employment Letter
Job title, duties, NOC, wage, hours and start date on employer letterhead.
Recent Pay Stubs
Typically the last 3–6 months to demonstrate active employment.
LMIA (if applicable)
Positive LMIA number and expiry, plus the annex where required.
Marriage or Common-Law Documents
For spousal open work permits and inland sponsorship.
Provincial Nomination
Nomination certificate and support letter when relying on a PNP.
PR Application Records
AOR letters or portal screenshots for BOWP requests.
Upfront Medical Exam
Required for some categories and PR pathways.
Police Certificates
Countries where you lived for 6+ months since age 18.
Not sure what to do next? Let's review your options.
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Frequently asked
Work permit expiry — questions we hear every week
Why work with CAN-MIGRATE
Licensed, structured and strategic
Work permit expiry is a moment where errors compound. Our team provides fee-based advice under CICC licensing — with the process, documentation and PR planning to match.
Licensed RCIC Guidance
CICC-licensed advice — the only fee-based Canadian immigration representation permitted by law.
Personalized Immigration Strategy
Written plans built for your NOC, employer, family status and PR goals.
Employer Support
LMIA advertising, wage compliance and job offer letters aligned to IRCC standards.
Provincial Expertise
PNP strategy across BC, Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Permanent Residence Planning
Parallel work-permit and PR tracks so status protects your long-term plan.
Transparent Process
Fixed fees, clear timelines and access to your file at every stage.
Professional Documentation
Complete application packages that anticipate IRCC officer questions.
Related services
Continue planning your file
Work Permit Extension
Same-conditions renewals and category changes.
Learn more
LMIA Guidance
Advertising, wage floors and employer strategy.
Learn more
Express Entry
CRS review and pool positioning.
Learn more
Provincial Nominee Program
Employer-supported and in-demand streams.
Learn more
Visitor Record
Change status to visitor while planning next steps.
Learn more
Spousal Open Work Permit
Inland and outland sponsorship-linked permits.
Learn more
Permanent Residence
Long-term status planning for workers and families.
Learn more
Book a Consultation
Speak with a licensed RCIC about your file.
Learn more
Need help before your work permit expires?
A licensed RCIC will review your file, confirm eligibility across every viable pathway, and give you a written plan you can act on immediately.
Disclaimer: Information only, not legal advice. Immigration outcomes depend on the individual facts of each case and on IRCC's assessment. Paid Canadian immigration representation is provided only by CICC-licensed RCICs or members in good standing of a Canadian provincial law society.
Quick answer
What happens when a Canadian work permit expires?
A work permit holder must stop working the day the permit expires. Applying to extend before the expiry date creates maintained status, which allows continued work under the same conditions while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada decides the extension. Applying after expiry ends work authorisation and requires restoration of status within 90 days of losing it.
Quick summary
Work permit expiry has three outcomes. Extending before the expiry date grants maintained status and continued work authorisation. Missing the date ends the right to work, but restoration of status can be requested within 90 days. Passing 90 days removes the restoration option and normally requires leaving Canada. Preparation should begin roughly four months before expiry because Labour Market Impact Assessments and supporting documents take time. Processing times vary by permit type and are published by IRCC.
Key takeaways
- Work authorisation ends on the expiry date printed on the work permit.
- An extension application filed before expiry creates maintained status.
- Maintained status allows work under the same conditions until IRCC decides.
- Restoration of status must be requested within 90 days of losing status.
- A person on restoration may not work until the new permit is issued.
- After 90 days without status, restoration is no longer available.
- Preparation should start about four months before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I keep working while an extension is pending?
- Yes, if the extension was submitted before the permit expired. Maintained status allows work under the same conditions until a decision is made.
- What if my work permit already expired?
- Work must stop immediately. Restoration of status can be requested within 90 days of losing status, and work is not permitted until a new permit is issued.
- How early should an extension be filed?
- Filing at least 30 days before expiry is the practical minimum, and roughly four months is advisable when a Labour Market Impact Assessment is required.
Key terms explained
- Maintained (implied) status
- The legal status that continues automatically when you file an extension before your permit expires, allowing you to keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- An open work permit for applicants with a permanent residence application already in progress, bridging the gap until PR is finalised.
Continue with Work Permit Expiry
- Open work permitWhen you can work for any employer instead of one named employer.
- LMIA-based work permitsThe employer-side process behind most closed work permits.
- Restoration of statusIf the permit already expired, restoration may apply within 90 days.
- Express EntryConvert Canadian work experience into permanent residence.
- PNP finderProvincial streams built for workers already in Canada.
- Book an RCIC consultationTime-sensitive files should be reviewed before the expiry date.
Your next step
Last reviewed on August 3, 2026 by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN-MIGRATE.
Official reference: IRCC — Extend or change the conditions on your work permit
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules change — confirm details with IRCC or book a consultation before you apply.
Published Last updated Reviewed by CAN-MIGRATE RCIC review teamNext scheduled review
Official IRCC requirementProfessional recommendation (RCIC)Editorial explanation
Requirements marked as official reflect published IRCC guidance. Recommendations reflect our RCIC team's professional judgement. Explanations are editorial context and are not legal advice.
We re-review this page when:
- IRCC changes program requirements
- Processing times change significantly