Why Passport Validity Matters for a Canadian Work Permit
Why Passport Validity Is Important for a Canadian Work Permit
Your passport expiry date directly affects how long your Canadian work permit remains valid.
IRCC does not issue a work permit beyond the passport’s expiry date. As a result, when a passport expires early, the work permit also ends earlier—even if the job offer covers a longer period.
What Happens If Your Passport Expires Early
When a passport expires before the planned stay in Canada, IRCC limits the work permit to the same expiry date.
For example, a worker with a one-year job offer but a passport valid for only eight months will receive a work permit for eight months. Because of this, ensuring full passport validity becomes essential.
Usual Length of Canadian Work Permits
In most cases, Canadian work permits are issued for one to three years.
That said, IRCC does not decide the duration based on the job alone. Multiple factors influence the final validity period.
How IRCC Decides the Length of a Work Permit
Canadian immigration rules require temporary residents to hold a valid passport for their entire stay.
Based on this rule, IRCC looks at several factors before issuing a work permit.
Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
The duration mentioned in the employment contract plays an important role.
LMIA Duration (If Applicable)
Applicants under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must follow the work period approved in the LMIA.
Passport Validity
Passport validity often becomes the deciding factor. Many applicants focus on eligibility and documents while overlooking passport expiry. This oversight frequently leads to a shorter work permit.
Special Note for Open Work Permits
For open work permits, IRCC reviews the validity of supporting documents such as study duration, spousal work permits, or youth mobility agreements.
Even in these cases, passport expiry continues to limit the work permit length.
LMIA-Based Work Permits Explained Simply
When an LMIA approves one year of work and the passport remains valid for that entire year, IRCC usually issues a one-year work permit.
On the other hand, a passport expiring in eight months results in an eight-month work permit, regardless of the LMIA duration.
Passport Validity and PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
Post-graduation work permits follow the same rule.
Although eligible graduates may qualify for a PGWP of up to three years, IRCC issues the permit only until the passport expires. Therefore, a passport valid for one year leads to a one-year PGWP.
Good News: There Are Solutions
Shortened work permits do not mean the end of work authorization. Practical solutions exist for most situations.
What to Do Before Applying for a Work Permit
Before submitting an application, applicants should always check their passport expiry date.
If the passport does not cover the full intended stay, renewing it first helps avoid unnecessary restrictions later.
What If You Already Have a Shortened Work Permit
Workers already in Canada can apply for a work permit extension to match the remaining job contract period.
However, passport renewal must come first. Applying well before the current permit expires allows enough time for passport processing and mailing.
Important Note About LMIA Validity
LMIA validity differs from work permit validity.
At present, positive LMIAs remain valid for six months. This means workers must apply for an LMIA-based work permit within that timeframe. For extensions, employers need to obtain a new LMIA.
For LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Under the International Mobility Program, employers must submit a new job offer and pay the employer compliance fee again unless an exemption applies.
Final Takeaway
Passport validity plays a key role in determining how long someone can work in Canada.
To avoid shortened permits and delays, applicants should keep their passports valid for the entire stay, renew them early, and plan ahead before applying.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. 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).
