If you work in Canada and your permit is almost set to expire, renewal as soon as possible is necessary so that you can continue your work uninterruptedly. If your work permit has expired, you can apply to restore your status as a worker within 90 days of losing your status. Renewal of the work permit in Canada, being expired, requires one to understand the process for renewal, the eligibility criteria for the same, and the submission of appropriate documents. This guide will walk you through the steps so that a smooth process is initiated for the renewal of the same.
Understanding the Importance of Renewing Your Work Permit in Canada
A work permit is a Canadian government-issued legal document that allows a foreign national to temporarily work in the country. It comes, at times, with some specified terms, like the length of stay, what kind of work one can engage in, and for whom. If a work permit were to expire, you would lose your legal status to work in Canada, unless you again apply for and obtain a renewal. Failure to do so may result in legal implications, disruption of work, and possible deportation.
Step 1: Check Whether You Are Eligible to Apply for a Renewal
Before proceeding with the application process for renewal, you have to make sure that you are eligible to renew your work permit. This may be possible if:
- You are still employed by the same employer working under the same conditions as on your original work permit.
- Your employer has a new LMIA, if required.
- You apply to renew a work permit that is exempt under one of the LMIA-exempt categories, for instance, intra-company transferee, certain temporary workers.
- You’re already in Canada when you apply.
Note that not all work permits are renewable. For example, if you have a work permit that is conditioned on having a specific employer and that employment has been terminated, you will have to apply for a new work permit and not a renewal.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Early
Early application is important in renewing your work permit . Normally, the government advises that renewal of a work permit application should be done at least 30 days before the expiry of the current work permit. In this regard, even an earlier application can provide even more ample time to organize the necessary documents and avoid complications at the last minute.
The application process may take a number of weeks, depending on the type of work permit you are applying for, where you are in the country, and processing times. That will give you plenty of time to continue to stay in Canada with “implied status,” which implies the legal right to work while waiting for your renewal application.
Step 3: Gather all the Required Documents
Documents that will be required to renew your work permit will include:
- A Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport will be valid for the entire period of the work permit extension.
- Current Work Permit: Attach a copy of the current work permit.
- Job Offer: Letter or contract from the employer including continued employment and conditions of work.
- LMIA: Unless specifically exempt, your employer must obtain for you a new LMIA from ESDC.
- Proof of Employment: This could be with recent paystubs, a letter from the employer, or an employment record that proves your employment in Canada.
- Medical Examination: If the nature of your employment requires a medical examination, then proof should be provided of taking it.
Make sure all the documents are updated and complete well in advance to avoid delays in the application process.
Step 4: Online Application or Mailing
With all the above-mentioned collected, you can submit your Canadian work permit renewal application online or via mail.
Online Application: This is obviously the most available and quicker option. You will be required to create an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website, fill in necessary forms, and attach your documents.
Mailing Application: If you prefer you can mail in a paper application to the appropriate processing center. This method normally takes a bit longer because of the mailing process involved.
Make sure you have reviewed all information on your application for accuracy along with any required documents attached before mailing.
Step 5: Application Fee
Under current regulations, it will be $155 CAD to renew your work permit in Canada. You can pay online at the time of application or include payment information with your mailed application.
You may also have to pay a fee of $85 CAD for providing your biometric data. Make sure that you pay all your fees so that delays do not result in the processing of your application.
Step 6: Receive Your Confirmation and Check the Status of Your Application
After mailing your renewal application, you will be sent a confirmation. If you applied online, then you can check the status of your application through your online account.
This processing time is bound to vary depending on the type of work permit one is applying for and the queue that would be facing the application at a given time. During this time that your application is being processed, remember you can keep working in Canada under implied status-if you had made the application before your current work permit expired.
What to Do If Your Work Permit Has Already Expired
Of course, even in cases where you already allowed your work permit in Canada to expire, there may be other options for which one could take advantage of. You can apply for “restoration of status” within 90 days after the expiry date. This restoration of status will allow you to recover your legal status to continue working, but it comes with a $200 CAD fee on top of your normal application fee. It’s really important to act as quickly as possible because, while waiting for the restoration application to be processed, you are not allowed to work.
Renewal of the work permit in Canada should be properly planned and strictly in accordance with the law. Pre-advancement of renewal, eligibility, and completeness of application will avoid disruptions to work and keep you in Canada legally. Be it continuation of the present job or seeking newer opportunities, a work permit in Canada is required on legitimate grounds, which further gives a boost to your career and future in the country.
