Changing or Extending Your Work Permit | All you need to know

What Happens After You Apply to Extend or Change Your Work Permit?

1. Proof You Can Keep Working

After you apply online to extend or change your work permit (except a PGWP), you will receive a letter in your online account. This letter confirms that you can continue working if you meet all eligibility requirements. You can print the letter or show it together with your current work permit.

2. How Long Does the Letter Remain Valid?

The letter usually expires 180 days from the date Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada receives your application. This timeframe aligns with the standard processing period. Employers and health insurance providers often request this letter as proof that you can legally keep working.

3. What If Processing Takes Longer?

If IRCC does not make a decision before the letter expires, you can still continue working. As long as your application remains under review, your authorization stays valid. If your employer asks for confirmation, you can share the relevant IRCC web page or contact IRCC directly for verification.

4. If You Applied on Paper

When you apply on paper, IRCC does not issue the same confirmation letter. However, you can continue working if you submitted your application before your current permit expired. To prove this, you can show your employer:

• A copy of your submitted application
• Proof of payment
• Courier or postal tracking details

5. What Happens After Approval?

Once IRCC approves your application, you will receive either:

• An extension of your current work permit, or
• A new work permit with updated conditions, such as a new employer, role, or location

6. Start Working After Approval

After approval, you will receive a notification in your online account. You can start working immediately after receiving this confirmation. You do not need to wait for the physical work permit to arrive by mail.

Conclusion

While you wait for a decision on your work permit extension or change, you can continue working under the same conditions as your original permit. Keep track of your letter’s expiry date and share the required proof with your employer when needed. Staying organized helps avoid interruptions in your employment.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).