PGWP Expiring? How to Extend a Work Permit in Canada

Many people believe that any Canadian work permit can be extended with just a simple form. This is a myth. In reality, not all work permits are extendable – at least, not in the straightforward way people imagine. For example, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is typically a one-time opportunity; once it expires, you cannot simply renew it with the same permit (except in special public policy situations, such as one-time pandemic extensions that have now ended). The truth is that when your work permit is expiring (especially a PGWP or other open work permit), you must plan ahead and qualify for a new type of work permit or status – it isn’t as easy as ticking a box on a form or just paying fees on the IRCC website.

There is no generic “extension form” that magically prolongs any work permit. Extending your ability to work in Canada means applying for a new work permit under a category for which you are eligible. In some cases (like employer-specific permits), it might mean your employer extends your job offer and you apply to change conditions; in other cases (like a PGWP), you need a completely new permit type. For instance, PGWPs are normally not extendable. Once your PGWP or other work permit expires, you must explore alternative options to continue working legally. This could involve finding a new work permit program that fits your situation or even transitioning to permanent residence. In short, there is no one-size-fits-all extension – you must identify a valid new work permit category and ensure you meet its eligibility criteria.

Identifying Your Options When Your Work Permit Is Expiring

If your work permit is expiring (or your PGWP is expiring soon), don’t panic – but do start planning early. The first step is to figure out what new status or work permit you could qualify for. Broadly, your options fall into a few categories:

• Apply for a new employer-sponsored work permit (LMIA-based) – This requires a willing employer in Canada and usually a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It results in a “closed” work permit tied to that employer.

• Apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit – These include a variety of programs that don’t require an LMIA, such as permits under international agreements, working holidays, spousal open work permits, etc. Some of these are open work permits (allowing any employer), while others are employer-specific but exempt from LMIA.

• Transition to permanent residency – If you’re eligible for a PR program (like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program), you might choose to apply for PR. Once you’ve applied for PR, you can often get a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working while awaiting a decision. Ultimately, obtaining PR will remove the need for work permits altogether.

The rest of this post will delve into each of these pathways – how they work and what to consider – so you can determine how to extend your ability to work in Canada given your specific situation.

LMIA-Based Work Permits (Employer-Specific Closed Permits)

One common route to continue working in Canada is through an employer-specific work permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document an employer must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to show that hiring a foreign worker is necessary (i.e. no Canadian is available for the job). Crucially, an individual worker cannot apply for an LMIA on their own – the employer has to do it. This means you’ll need a Canadian employer willing to sponsor you by going through the LMIA process.

How LMIAs Work

The employer must advertise the position and apply to Service Canada for the LMIA, paying a $1,000 processing fee (for most streams) and providing evidence that they tried to hire Canadians first. If approved, the employer gets a positive LMIA (confirmation letter). This can take 3-6 months, if not longer to advertise the job, apply and obtain a decision. With the LMIA in hand, you (the worker) can apply for a new work permit using the LMIA. To apply for the work permit, you’ll need the LMIA confirmation letter/number, a formal job offer letter, and an employment contract. The resulting work permit will be employer-specific (a “closed” work permit) – it will list the designated employer, job, and location, and you can’t work for anyone else under that permit. In essence, a closed work permit is tied to the employer who obtained the LMIA for you, for the specific role offered.

Restrictions of Closed Permits

Because LMIA-based permits are tied to one employer, if you quit or are let go, you generally cannot simply switch jobs – you would need a new LMIA and work permit to work for a different employer. Closed permits can often be issued for up to 2 or 3 years and may be renewed if the employer obtains a new LMIA (or if exempt conditions apply). Many employers are unfamiliar or hesitant about the LMIA process due to its complexity. Marin Immigration Law offers free consultation calls for employers interested in LMIA support – this can help an employer understand what’s involved and decide if they can pursue an LMIA to keep you on staff. With professional guidance (and an employer’s commitment), an LMIA-based work permit is a solid option to extend your work status in Canada when your current permit is running out.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Options (IMP Programs and Open Permits)

Not everyone will have an employer who can obtain an LMIA. Thankfully, Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) provides many LMIA-exempt work permit categories. These are situations where you can get a work permit without an LMIA, either because of international agreements, special programs, or your personal circumstances. Below is an overview of common LMIA-exempt work permit options that you might consider if your work permit is expiring in Canada:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – This is an open work permit for recent graduates from Canadian designated learning institutions. It allows you to work for any employer. Important: A PGWP is generally only issued once per person (valid up to 3 years depending on the length of your program) and cannot be extended under normal circumstances. If you are finishing studies now, ensure you apply for a PGWP within 180 days of graduating. If you already had a PGWP that’s expiring, you’ll need to look at other options on this list.

• Free Trade Agreement Work Permits – Canada has free trade agreements with certain countries (like CUSMA for the U.S. and Mexico, CETA for many European countries, CPTPP for Pacific countries, etc.). These agreements include provisions for LMIA-exempt work permits for citizens of those partner countries in specific occupations or business activities. For example, under CUSMA, an American or Mexican citizen may qualify for a work permit as a professional, intra-company transferee, or investor without an LMIA. Eligibility and conditions vary by agreement, but if you hold citizenship from a country that has a trade agreement with Canada, check whether your profession or job offer falls under an LMIA exemption in that agreement. These permits are typically employer-specific (closed permits) but exempt from the LMIA requirement due to international treaty commitments.

• International Experience Canada (Working Holiday and more) – International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program allowing young people (usually 18–30 or 18–35, depending on the country) from partner countries to work in Canada temporarily. The most well-known IEC category is the Working Holiday work permit, which is an open work permit (no specific employer required). There are also employer-specific IEC categories like Young Professionals and Co-op internships, which are LMIA-exempt but tied to a job offer. IEC permits are subject to quotas and nationality eligibility. If you are from a country that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada (such as Australia, UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc.) and you haven’t used up this option, you could obtain an IEC work permit to extend your stay. Example: A citizen of France who finished a PGWP could apply for a one-year Working Holiday open work permit (if they meet the age and quota requirements) to continue working in Canada.

• Francophone Mobility Program – Canada encourages French-speaking talent to work outside of Quebec through the Mobilité Francophone stream. Under this program, employers can hire French-speaking or bilingual foreign workers without an LMIA for jobs outside Quebec. The employer must still submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal (LMIA-exempt code C16) and pay the compliance fee, but no LMIA is needed. This results in an employer-specific work permit for the French-speaking worker. If you are fluent in French and have a job offer outside Quebec, this program can be a great option. It still requires a willing employer, but it’s simpler and faster than a full LMIA.

• Charitable and Religious Work Permits – Certain types of work for registered charities or religious organizations can be LMIA-exempt. If you will be working in a charitable capacity (e.g. unpaid volunteer work or a low-paid position that is genuinely charitable/beneficial to the public) or in a religious role (such as clergy or other religious worker), you may qualify for a work permit under exemption codes related to charitable or religious work. These permits are usually employer-specific to the organization, but no LMIA is required if the work meets IRCC’s charitable or religious criteria. For instance, someone volunteering for a Canadian NGO or doing missionary work could get a work permit without an LMIA. Keep in mind you’ll need documentation showing the charitable nature of the work or the religious designation of the organization.

• Other LMIA-exempt permits: There are additional LMIA exemptions not listed above, such as Intra-Company Transfers (for employees of multinational companies being transferred to a Canadian branch), Global Talent Stream special work permits, post-doctoral researchers or academic exchange programs, etc. If you have a unique situation (for example, your company can transfer you to Canada, or you work in a field with a special initiative), it’s worth researching if an LMIA exemption exists. The full list of LMIA exemption codes is on IRCC’s site, covering scenarios from significant benefit to Canada, to specific occupational exemptions. Most people, however, will fall under the more common categories we detailed above.

As you can see, LMIA-exempt work permits cover a broad range of situations – from international agreements to family-based privileges. Each has its own eligibility rules and application process. The key is to identify which (if any) of these categories you fit into. For instance, if your PGWP is expiring and you have a Canadian spouse with a good job, a spousal open work permit could be your solution. Or if you found an employer willing to hire you and you happen to be American, a CUSMA Professional permit might be quicker than an LMIA. Evaluate your personal circumstances against these options.

How to Apply for a Work Permit Extension (New Work Permit) in Canada

Once you’ve chosen a pathway – whether it’s an LMIA-supported permit or an LMIA-exempt category – how do you actually apply for the new work permit? In almost all cases, you will apply online through IRCC’s website (using either the IRCC GCKEY portal or the newer portal). Since you are likely applying from inside Canada (to extend your work permit without leaving), you’ll be following the process to “extend or change conditions of a work permit” as an in-Canada applicant. Here’s an overview of the steps:

1. Gather your documents and information: Based on the work permit type you’re applying for, make sure you have all required documents. Common documents include a job offer letter and LMIA reference number or Offer of Employment number (if employer-specific), proof of your current status, your passport, a digital photo, and any documents proving you meet the eligibility (e.g. spouse’s documents for spousal permit, proof of graduation for PGWP, etc.). Essentially, you need to prove you qualify for the new work permit type you selected. For example, LMIA-based applications need the LMIA confirmation letter, while an LMIA-exempt employer-specific permit needs the offer ID (“A#”) from the employer – more on that below.

2. Log into your IRCC account (or create one): Applications to extend/change a work permit are done online. Log in to IRCC’s online application system and start a new application. You will answer a questionnaire that determines your eligibility and then be directed to the work permit application form. If using the older GCKey system, this involves form IMM 5710; in the newer portal, it’s an interactive form. Select the option for extending or changing conditions of a work permit from within Canada.

3. Complete the application forms accurately: Provide all the required details about yourself and the job (if applicable). Key fields include the specifics of the work permit type:

o If you are applying with an LMIA, you’ll need to enter the LMIA number and details of the job offer exactly as in the LMIA approval.

o If you are applying under an LMIA-exempt code with an employer (IMP), you will need to enter the Offer of Employment number (the one starting with “A” given by your employer) in the form, and select the appropriate LMIA exemption code for your category.

o If your work permit will be open (no specific employer) – for example, a spousal open work permit or bridging open work permit – you will indicate that in the form (usually by selecting “Open – no employer” and providing proof of eligibility for an open permit).

o You will also fill in personal information, education and work history, etc., as required.

4. Upload supporting documents: The online system will generate a document checklist. Upload all documents that are requested and any additional evidence that supports your case. However, the checklist may be incomplete and may not include all documents required for your specific work permit program. For instance:

o LMIA-based permit: upload the LMIA approval letter, your job offer/contract, and maybe a letter of explanation from your employer.

o Spousal open permit: upload copies of your spouse’s work permit or study permit, proof of their employment or school enrollment, marriage certificate or proof of common-law status, etc.

o PGWP (if you were applying for one as a new grad): upload your completion of studies letter and transcript.

o Bridging open permit: upload proof of PR application submission (e.g. the confirmation of receipt or file number).

o General documents: passport scan (all pages with stamps), digital photo, and medical exam results if required (certain jobs or if you need to remove conditions on a previous permit).

5. Pay the fees: Most work permit applications require a processing fee of $155 CAD. If you are applying for an open work permit, there is an additional $100 open work permit holder fee. Employer-specific LMIA-exempt permits also require that your employer paid a $230 compliance fee via the Employer Portal (separate from your application fee). You may also need to pay $85 for biometrics if you haven’t given biometrics in the past 10 years. The online system will prompt you to pay the applicable fees by credit card.

6. Submit your application before your current permit expires: Timing is critical. To benefit from maintained status (formerly called implied status), you must submit the work permit application while your current permit is still valid. IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expirycanada.ca, although even one day before is sufficient to trigger maintained status. Once you submit the application, you’ll get a confirmation. If you applied before expiry, you are legally allowed to continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit until a decision is made. This means if you had an open permit like PGWP, you can keep working in any job; if you had a closed permit, you must stay with the same employer and role while waiting. If you apply after your permit already expired, you do not have the right to work until you get a new permit approved – you would be applying under restoration (which we cover next). It’s always best to apply in time.

7. Follow up and decision: After submission, you may get requests for additional documents or biometrics (if not already done). You can track the status in your online account. Processing times vary depending on the type of permit and volume of applications. Once a decision is made, IRCC will send you a message. If approved, you’ll get a new work permit document (usually mailed to your address). If a medical exam or police check is needed, those might be requested, so watch for any IRCC communication.

Important: If you miss the window and your work permit expires before you apply for a new one, you have a 90-day grace period to apply for restoration of status. During those 90 days, you are not allowed to work (or study) – you’re essentially out of status until you submit a restoration application. You must pay an extra $200 restoration fee on top of regular fees, and you must justify why you lost status. Restoration is only possible up to 90 days after expiry; beyond that, you would have to leave Canada. So, wherever possible, apply before expiry to avoid falling into restoration.

Applying through the IRCC online system can seem daunting, but take it step by step. The system is designed to guide you based on your answers. Double-check everything before you submit – errors or missing documents can lead to refusals or delays. If in doubt, consider seeking advice to ensure you’ve selected the correct work permit category and have all the necessary documentation.

Employer Portal and the A Number (Offer of Employment Number)

You may have heard about an “offer of employment number” that starts with the letter “A”. This is relevant for LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits (under the International Mobility Program). Here’s what it means: when an employer is hiring a foreign worker without an LMIA, they must use IRCC’s Employer Portal to register the job offer details before the worker submits the work permit application. The employer enters information about the business and job (such as duties, wage, location, etc.), selects the appropriate LMIA exemption code, and pays the $230 employer compliance fee. Once this is done, the system generates an Offer of Employment ID, often called the “A number” because it starts with “A” followed by 7 digits.

For example, if you’re applying for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility program or as a CUSMA professional, your employer will submit the offer through the portal and get an A# (like A1234567). You must include that A# in your work permit application in the field asking for an “Offer of Employment Number” or “Employer Portal Number.” The visa officer will use it to confirm that your employer has complied with the registration requirement. Without a valid A#, your LMIA-exempt work permit application will be refused, because the officer needs that reference to see your employer’s details.

Are you an employer? We offer free consultations with employers on Canadian immigration, including A numbers.

A few key points about the Employer Portal and offers:

• When is an A# required? (Almost) anytime you are applying for an employer-specific work permit and you are LMIA-exempt. Common cases include intra-company transferee permits, free trade agreement permits, Francophone Mobility, research/exchange programs, etc. If no LMIA is involved and it’s not an open work permit, then the employer portal step is needed. (Open work permits don’t require an offer submission because they’re not tied to one employer.)

• When is an A# NOT required? If your work permit type uses an LMIA, then you do not need an employer portal offer. The LMIA approval itself suffices. Also, if you are applying for an open work permit (spousal open work permit, PGWP, bridging open work permit, etc.), you have no specific employer, so the portal isn’t used in those cases either. The Employer Portal is specifically for LMIA-exempt job offers where the employer must report details to IRCC.

• What does the worker need to do? In practical terms, you should remind or verify that your employer has submitted the offer and obtained the number before you apply. Make sure they give you the A# code. According to IRCC guidelines, “Make sure the employer gives you the offer of employment number before you submit your work permit application. The offer of employment number starts with an ‘A’ and is followed by 7 numbers.” You will input this number into the appropriate section of your online application.

• Employer compliance fee: Note that the employer has to pay $230 for this submission (per worker, per job). Certain employers (like some charities or francophone mobility hires) may be exempt from the fee, but they still must do the portal submission. Ensure your employer is aware of this obligation; otherwise your application won’t have the required reference and will be rejected.

The Employer Portal process essentially acts as a mini-LMIA light: the government gets info on your job and employer, even though they aren’t assessing the labour market. It’s a way to ensure employers hiring through LMIA exemptions are registered and accountable. From the worker’s perspective, obtaining that A# from the employer is a crucial step. It’s wise to follow up with your employer to confirm they’ve done it. If your employer is unsure how to use the portal or what exemption to select, that’s something immigration lawyers or consultants (like Marin Immigration Law) can help with behind the scenes. Once the offer is submitted and you have the A#, you’re clear to apply for your permit, referencing that number.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency (and Bridging Work Permits)

While the focus of this post is on work permits, we’d be remiss not to mention permanent residency (PR) as a solution for those with expiring work permits. If you find that you’re running out of temporary status options, it may be time to shift your sights to a longer-term strategy: becoming a Canadian permanent resident. Achieving PR means you no longer need work permits to work in Canada, and you can stay indefinitely. Here’s how this ties into the situation of a work permit expiring:

Exploring PR Pathways: There are multiple immigration programs that lead to PR. The most common for those who have Canadian work experience or education are:

• Express Entry: an online system that manages applications for economic immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Many former international students on PGWPs aim for CEC, which rewards Canadian work experience. If you have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet the other criteria (language, etc.), you could be competitive in the Express Entry pool. Getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR through Express Entry can be life-changing – and you can often time it such that you maintain status.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): each province has streams to nominate candidates for PR. Some PNP streams are geared toward people already working in the province (for instance, an Ontario or BC PNP if you have a job offer there, or a Manitoba PNP if you studied/worked there). A provincial nomination can fast-track your PR and often comes with a work permit support letter to keep you working.

• Family Sponsorship: if you have a Canadian spouse or partner, they might sponsor you for PR (which, as noted, can also give you an open work permit while in process). This is a different path but relevant if it fits your life situation.

Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): One big advantage of applying for PR while you’re still on a valid work permit is the ability to get a bridging open work permit. As mentioned earlier, a BOWP lets you continue working in Canada while your PR application is being processed. To be eligible, you must have already submitted a PR application under an eligible program (Express Entry, PNP, etc.) and received at least a confirmation that your application is received (the Acknowledgment of Receipt). You also must be in Canada on a valid status when applying for the BOWP. For example, say your PGWP is expiring in 2 months and you manage to submit an Express Entry PR application now – you could then apply for a bridging open work permit which will give you another year or two of open work permit, allowing you to keep working without needing an LMIA or employer sponsor. IRCC explicitly states that the bridging work permit “lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application”

Permanent Residence as a Goal: If you haven’t already, it’s worth assessing your permanent residency eligibility when your work permit is nearing its end. Many PGWP holders plan their PR route early, since PGWPs are time-limited. If you’re close to meeting the criteria (e.g. nearing one year of Canadian work experience for CEC), you might strategize a way to maintain status (like a short-term work permit or even visitor status) until you can apply for PR and a BOWP. In some cases, pursuing another study program to get a new study permit (and eventually another PGWP if eligible) is a strategy, though rules around getting a second PGWP are strict – generally, a second PGWP is not granted unless you complete a brand-new program at a higher level, and even then you often only get one PGWP total. So, PR is the more sustainable solution.

Why PR is mentioned in a work permit article: The question on many expiring-permit holders’ minds is “Do I keep applying for work permit extensions, or should I try to become a PR?” The answer often is: do both if possible. Use work permit options to buy yourself time, but work toward the stability of permanent residence. A series of temporary permits can keep you in Canada for a few extra years, but PR will secure your future. Plus, Canadian work experience gained on those work permits can strengthen your PR application (especially under the Canadian Experience Class and certain PNPs).

In summary, don’t view PR and work permit extension as completely separate tracks – they can be complementary. If you qualify for PR or are close to qualifying, prioritize that. And if you apply for PR, leverage things like the bridging open work permit to extend your stay and work authorization legally while you wait for the PR approval.

Conclusion

Facing an expiring work permit – whether it’s a PGWP or any other type – can be stressful, but there are pathways to extend your time in Canada. The key takeaways are:

• You cannot simply extend every work permit with a generic form; you need to find a new permit type or program that fits your situation.

• LMIA-based work permits are a viable route if you have a supportive employer and they cannot find Canadians or PRs; these result in closed permits tied to that employer, and involve the employer obtaining an LMIA. (Remember, the employer must apply for the LMIA, not you. Marin Immigration Law offers free consultations to employers who want guidance on this process.)

• LMIA-exempt permits can be a lifesaver if you qualify – explore options like international agreements, working holiday programs, spousal open work permits, Francophone mobility, and more. Each has specific requirements, but they bypass the LMIA hurdle and can often be obtained faster.

• Applying for an extension/new permit requires careful preparation: use the IRCC online system, apply before your current permit expires, and include all necessary documentation. If done correctly, you’ll benefit from maintained status and can keep working legally while the application is processed.

• Employer compliance (A#) is crucial for LMIA-exempt jobs: ensure your employer submits the offer through the portal and gives you the offer ID starting with “A”. Without it, your application won’t go through.

• Consider permanent residency as the long-term solution. If you’re eligible or close to eligible, PR can free you from the cycle of temporary permits. And if you have a PR application in process, use tools like the Bridging Open Work Permit to continue working during the transition.

Staying in Canada after a work permit expires is certainly possible, but it requires planning, knowledge of the available programs, and ensuring you meet all the conditions. The immigration landscape can be complex, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s a good idea to stay informed (through credible sources or professional advice) so you can make the best decision for your circumstances. With the right strategy – whether it’s securing a new work permit or obtaining permanent residence – you can bridge the gap from an expiring permit to the next chapter of your Canadian journey. Good luck!

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