By extending your work permit, you can ensure that you legally work in Canada without any interruptions & fully comply with Canadian immigration laws. Today, we will discuss how you can extend your work permit in Canada. 

So, without further ado, let us begin! 

Tips To Extend Your Work Permit In Canada 

Well, a Canadian work permit is important for anyone wishing to have employment in Canada, as they legally authorize people to work within the nation. It is significant not only to get a work permit but also to meet all the conditions highlighted in the permit during your stay. Moreover, it is crucial to stop working if your work permit expires to avoid any legal complications. 

Extending your work permit offers a lot of benefits like continued employment and stability, which are vital for building a successful future in the country. Furthermore, gaining qualified Canadian work experience can pave the way for applying for permanent residency in a few years, opening up more opportunities for your long-term career as well as life in Canada. 

1. Find A New Job In Canada 

One of the main ways to extend your work permit in Canada is to find a new job. If your work permit is nearing its expiration or if you have to change the conditions of your permit, getting a new job offer can facilitate this process. You can navigate this path by applying for new jobs. 

Well, securing a job can be an easy way to extend your work permit. Once you have an employment offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for your work permit extension. This includes submitting a new work permit application that reflects the details of your new job. 

You may not have to wait for your work permit application to be approved before beginning a new job or working for a new employer. You can also ask for authorization to work while your application is being processed. 

Furthermore, if you are an open work permit holder, you have the flexibility to change employers at any given time as long as your permit is valid. 

When changing employers, it is important to remember that the company recruiting you needs to determine if they require an LMIA, i.e., Labor Market Impact Assessment. If an LMIA is necessary, the employer should apply for it from ESDC, i.e., Employment and Social Development Canada. 

In case the new employer does not require an LMIA, they should submit a new employment offer and pay the compliance fee to the employer. Unfortunately, not all companies/ institutions are willing to pay these fees, and the company/ job might not meet the requirements to get an LMIA. 

Thus, it is vital to discuss these aspects without prospective employers in order to ensure that they can meet the necessary obligations for the work permit extension.

2. Bridging Open Work Permit 

A BOWP, i., Bridging Open Work Permit is a kind of work permit issued by IRCC. It allows individuals to continue working in Canada and preserve their temporary resident status while awaiting the processing of their PR application. This open permit helps bridge the gap between the expiration of a current work permit as well as the final decision on a PR application, ensuring that applicants can easily maintain their employment status without interruption. 

One of the main advantages of a BOWP is that it enables a seamless transition between your current work permit and your future PR status. This implies that you can continue working without any interruptions while the application is being processed.  

Since it is an open work permit, it means that you are not tied to any specific employer. You can switch jobs, employers, or locations within Canada without having to apply for a new work permit every time you make a change. 

Moreover, holding a BOWP ensures that you remain in compliance with Canadian immigration laws. This is particularly significantly important to avoid any gaps in your history of employment, which can affect your eligibility for specific benefits and opportunities. 

Requirements & Application Process 

In order to be eligible for a BOWP, you should meet specific criteria, including having a valid work permit at the time of application as well as having already applied for permanent residency under one of the eligible programs. The application process involves submitting forms as well as documents to IRCC. 

3. Get A Working Holiday Visa From IEC, i.e., International Experience Canada 

Another way to extend your work permit in Canada is to obtain a working holiday visa from IEC. 

This visa offers young individuals from partner nations the opportunity to travel as well as work in Canada for a limited time. This visa is an open work permit that allows holders to work for an employer in Canada and in almost any kind of job. The primary objective of the Working Holiday Visa is to offer young travellers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while exploring Canada. 

If your present work permit is expiring soon and you are from any one of the partnering nations, you can easily apply for this kind of visa. In order to be eligible, applicants should be citizens of one of the nations that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada and fulfill the age requirements. 

The Working Holiday Visa is usually valid for up to 12 – 24 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality as well as the agreements between nations. The open nature of the work permit implies that participants can change employers as well as locations without even applying for a new work permit.  

Conclusion 

Extending your work permit in Canada is a crucial step to make sure that you can continue working legally as well as building a stable future in the country. Whether you are securing a new job, applying for a BOWP, i.e., bridging open work permit, or exploring other pathways, it is important to stay informed and proactive about the process. 

Moreover, being mindful of deadlines and requirements will help avoid unnecessary work interruptions. 

Canada offers various opportunities for individuals who wish to grow their careers and contribute to its thriving economy, thus making it important to remain compliant with immigration regulations for long-term success.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].