With over four million temporary resident permits set to expire throughout 2025 and 2026, the demand for work permit extensions in Canada is at an all-time high. If your work permit is nearing its end – or is set to expire within the next six (6) months, you might be asking: how to renew a work permit in Canada safely and without interrupting your career?
At Jennifer Roggemann Law, we know that a work permit isn’t just a document; it’s your livelihood. Navigating the 2026 landscape of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) updates requires precision and careful planning. Here is everything you need to know about the Canada work permit renewal process this year.
Can I Renew My Work Permit in Canada?
The short answer is yes, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements for your specific permit type, and you apply before your current permit expires.
If you apply before the expiration date, you benefit from Maintained Status (formerly known as “implied status”). This legal safeguard allows you to continue working under the same conditions as your original permit while you wait for a decision from IRCC, even if your physical permit expires in the meantime. However, it is critical that you MUST STAY in Canada after your original work permit expires, and that you monitor your pending work permit application. If your work permit extension/renewal is refused, then you must stop working. Furthermore, if you wish to restore your status, there is a specific timeframe (90 days from the date of refusal) to restore your legal status in Canada.
Warning for 2026: Processing times for within-Canada work permit extensions have reached approximately 241 days as of early 2026. Because of this, IRCC and legal experts strongly recommend submitting your application at least 90 days before your expiry date, even though the official minimum is 30 days.
Without your physical valid work permit, you cannot renew your Social Insurance number or your Provincial Health insurance, even though you may legally continue working in Canada. If your occupation has inherent health risks – construction sites, health care settings, etc., we highly recommend that you have private health insurance to cover the gap between your work permit expiry date and the new work permit being issued.
Work Permit Types and Renewal: Which Rules Apply to You?
The renewal process depends heavily on whether you hold a “Closed” or “Open” work permit.
1. Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits
If your permit is tied to a specific employer, your renewal usually requires a “pre-step”:
- LMIA-Based: Your employer must typically obtain a new, positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC before you can apply for your extension.
- LMIA-Exempt: Your employer must submit a new offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 compliance fee.
2. Open Work Permits (PGWP, SOWP, BOWP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Generally, a PGWP cannot be extended. However, in 2026, extensions are permitted if your original permit was shortened due to your passport expiry date. Ensure your passport is renewed first and you must meet all your other requirements. Please note that you may file your work permit extension for this particular work permit via a paper application.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): If you have applied for Permanent Residency (PR) via the Federal Express Entry system and your work permit is expiring within 4 months, you may be eligible for a BOWP to keep working until your PR is finalized.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Eligibility for these was narrowed in 2025 and has not expanded in 2026. Ensure the “principal applicant” (your spouse) holds a valid status that still qualifies you for an open permit under current 2026 regulations.
- There are more types of work permits to extend, other than the above-noted ones. It is important to make sure that you file an appropriate work permit renewal for your particular situation.
Where to Renew a Work Permit in Canada
In 2026, almost all applications must be submitted online through your IRCC Secure Account (using GCKey or Sign-In Partner).
Steps to Apply:
- Log in to your IRCC account.
- Select “Apply to come to Canada” and then “Work Permit.”
- Answer the questionnaire to generate your Personal Document Checklist.
- Upload the IMM 5710 form (the core application for extending your stay as a worker).
- Pay the fees ($155 for the extension; an additional $100 for open permits).
Your 2026 Renewal Checklist
To avoid delays or “Returned as Incomplete” status, ensure you have:
- Valid Passport: IRCC will not issue a permit longer than your passport’s validity. If your passport expires in 6 months, your permit will too.
- Scans of All Marked Pages: You must provide high-quality scans of every page of your passport that has a stamp, visa, or notation, preferably in colour!
- Digital Photo: Must meet 2026 IRCC technical specifications.
- Proof of Fees: Usually $155 (Extension) + $100 (if Open Permit) + $85 (if Biometrics are needed).
What If I Missed the Deadline?
If your permit has already expired, you have lost your “Maintained Status” and must stop working immediately. You may have a 90-day grace period to apply for a Restoration of Status. This process is more expensive ($229.77 restoration fee + $155 application fee) and does not allow you to work while the application is being processed.
Need Help Navigating Your Extension?
The rules for how to renew a work permit in Canada are shifting. Between new language requirements for certain PGWP holders and changing LMIA standards for 2026, the margin for error is slim.
If you have questions about your eligibility, need help addressing a previous refusal, or want to ensure your application is airtight, reach out to us. Jennifer Roggemann is a dedicated immigration lawyer in Kitchener with the experience to help you stay on track toward your goals in Canada.
Contact Jennifer Roggemann Law today for a consultation.
Sources:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Guide 5553 – Extension of Work Permit.
- Canada.ca – Temporary Resident Processing Times (Updated Feb 2026).
- Bill C-3 / Citizenship Act Updates 2025-2026.