Numerous Canadian work permit holders will look to extend or change their permit to continue being employed in Canada. 

In case you are an international applicant in such a situation, it is vital to understand that your ability to continue working after your Canadian work permit expires depends upon when you applied for an extension/ change of the permit. 

Specifically, only temporary workers who applied for a work permit extension/ change before the conclusion of the original permit are eligible to continue working after their first permit expires. 

Why Can Some Temporary Workers Continue Working With An Expired Permit? 

People who submit a Canadian work permit in advance of their original permit’s expiry can maintain their status in Canada & obtain the authorization to work until their new application has been finalized. 

Moreover, temporary workers who find themselves in this situation can legally continue employment in this nation. However, they must: 

  • Stay in Canada 
  • Work under similar conditions as their original work permit 

How Do These Rules Differ Depending Upon Your Unique Situation? 

Work permit extension candidates must continue under the same conditions as listed on their present work permit if they have an employer-specific work permit. In addition, individuals who applied for a new Canadian work permit should continue to work for the employer names on their original permit until a decision arrives on their recent application. Thus, when the decision is final, the temporary worker might begin employment under the new permit’s condition if approved. 

In the case that they have an OPW, the temporary worker is free to change jobs as well as employers. 

Lastly, work permit holders applying for a study permit/ visitor record might only work until their original work permit expires. At this time, these candidates should legally stop working. Moreover, individuals who have applied for a study permit cannot study until a final decision is made.

Proving To The Employer That You Are Still Eligible To Work In Canada

Work permit extension applicants & individuals who are applying for a new Canadian work permit might need to prove to their employer that they are authorized to continue working in the nation even after their first work permit expires. 

In either case, the proof that the work permit holder can offer depends on whether they applied for their permit change/ extension on paper or online. 

Online Applicants 

Online work permit extension/ change candidates have to give the following documents: 

  • Work permit extension letter obtained by IRCC. This must be shown to the employer alongside your present work permit. 
  • In case a candidate does not obtain a final decision on their work permit extension/ change by the expiry date on their work permit extension letter, they can prove that they are still eligible to work by contacting IRCC.  

Paper Applicants 

On-paper work permit extension/ change candidates can show the following documents: 

  • A copy of their work permit extension/ change application 
  • Evidence that they paid their fees for work permit extension/ change application
  • A copy of their application’s courier/ postal tracking information 

Note: On-paper candidates do not obtain a work permit extension letter. Well, this is because IRCC needs to ensure that their application is complete & the candidate has met the work requirements.