Temporary Work Permit Renewal Planning
The Canadian immigration system can be complicated, especially when it comes to temporary work permits. Whether someone is on an employer-specific permit or an open work permit, planning for renewal is essential to avoid disruptions to employment, legal status, and long-term goals such as permanent residency.
Our British Columbia immigration lawyers frequently assist foreign nationals who are working in Canada under temporary work permits and wish to extend their stay. We’re here to help foreign workers, employers, and HR professionals understand the key considerations and steps involved in renewing a temporary work permit in Canada.
What Is a Temporary Work Permit?
A temporary work permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specified period. These permits are usually issued under one of the following programs:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
International Mobility Program (IMP): LMIA-exempt; includes intra-company transferees, working holiday visas, spousal open work permits, and more.
Each type of permit has its own rules regarding renewal, processing times, and eligibility requirements. Understanding the guidelines of the specific permit is critical when planning a renewal.
Why Is It Important to Plan for Renewal?
Many foreign workers underestimate how early they should start planning for a renewal. In reality, processing times, employer obligations, documentation requirements, and unexpected changes (such as shifts in government policy) can make last-minute applications risky. Poor planning can result in:
Gaps in employment authorization
Loss of legal status in Canada
Ineligibility for future permits or permanent residence
Delays in employer operations or HR planning
For these reasons, we recommend beginning the renewal process at least six months before the current permit expires.
How to Plan a Work Permit Renewal
Before you renew your temporary work permit, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. Identify the Type of Permit Held
Before doing anything else, it’s important to confirm the type of work permit currently held. The existing permit will indicate:
Whether it’s employer-specific or open
The duration of its validity
Any conditions on employment (e.g., location, job title)
Understanding the category helps determine the applicable renewal procedures.
2. Determine Eligibility for Renewal
Not all work permits can be renewed, and some may only be extended under limited conditions. Key factors influencing eligibility include:
The current job and employer (if applicable)
Duration of time already spent in Canada
Whether a new LMIA is required
The occupation’s classification under the National Occupation Classification (NOC)
Whether the permit was issued under a bilateral agreement or special program (e.g., International Experience Canada)
It’s also necessary to confirm that the applicant continues to meet admissibility requirements and that the employer remains compliant with Canadian employment and immigration laws.
3. Review the Employer’s Obligations (If Applicable)
For those on an employer-specific permit under the TFWP, the employer must:
Obtain a new positive LMIA, unless the existing one is still valid and covers the renewal
Submit a new offer of employment via the Employer Portal (if under IMP)
Comply with federal and provincial employment standards, including wages and working conditions
Employers in British Columbia must also adhere to provincial requirements, such as registration with the British Columbia Employer Registry for certain streams.
For open work permit holders (e.g., spousal or postgraduate), this step may not apply, but it’s still worth discussing with the employer how continued employment will be supported.
4. Understand Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the permit type, the applicant’s country of origin, and whether the application is submitted from inside or outside Canada. On average, in-Canada extensions can take between 60 to 120 days.
Because of this, applicants should plan to submit their renewal applications at least 90 days before expiry. If submitted before the permit expires, the worker may continue to work under maintained status (formerly called implied status) until a decision is made.
5. Prepare Supporting Documentation
Typical documents required for a renewal application include:
A copy of the current work permit
Passport (valid for the intended period of extension)
Job offer or contract (if applicable)
New LMIA or employer compliance number
Proof of qualifications and credentials
Evidence of maintained status, if applying after a previous extension
For open work permits (such as spousal permits or postgraduate work permits), additional documentation may include proof of relationship or graduation transcripts.
Always verify document checklists specific to the applicant’s situation, as requirements can vary significantly.
Special Considerations for British Columbia Workers
As an employee working in British Columbia with a temporary work permit, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Support
For those working in British Columbia and intending to transition to permanent residence via the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), work permit renewal planning should align with PNP timelines.
In most cases, once nominated, the applicant can apply for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) while waiting for the permanent residence application to be processed.
To qualify for a BOWP, an applicant must:
Have a valid nomination
Submit a complete PR application under the Express Entry or non-Express Entry stream
Apply before the current work permit expires
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders
Many international graduates working in British Columbia hold a PGWP. This type of permit is typically non-renewable, so a different strategy is needed if they wish to continue working once it expires. Options include:
Securing an employer-specific permit through the TFWP or IMP
Being supported by an employer for the British Columbia PNP
Applying for permanent residence and then a BOWP
PGWP holders should begin planning one year before the expiry of their permits.
An immigration lawyer can help you explore each of these strategies in more detail.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When renewing your temporary work permit, it’s crucial to avoid the following mistakes:
Failing to Apply Early Enough
Waiting until the last few weeks before expiry leaves little room for error. Always plan the application window with at least 90–120 days of buffer time.
Incorrect Permit Category
Choosing the wrong application stream or form can result in processing delays or outright refusals. This is common when applicants confuse an employer-specific renewal with an open work permit application.
Overlooking Employer Requirements
Employers may assume they don’t need to take further steps if the employee is already working. It’s essential for HR professionals and business owners to understand LMIA requirements, portal submissions, and obligations under immigration compliance inspections.
Letting the Passport Expire
A new work permit can’t be issued beyond the passport’s expiry date. Renewing passports well in advance helps avoid receiving a truncated permit.
Not Maintaining Status
If a work permit expires before the renewal is submitted, the applicant loses legal status in Canada and may need to leave the country or apply for restoration—a process that adds cost, complication, and uncertainty.
Strategic Considerations
While extending temporary status may be the immediate concern, it’s wise to also think long-term. Here are several strategic considerations for workers and employers alike:
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Many work permit holders eventually aim to become permanent residents. Canadian work experience may help qualify for programs such as:
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
British Columbia PNP Skills Immigration or Express Entry British Columbia
Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots
Maintaining a detailed record of employment history, job duties, wage progression, and education credentials is critical for future PR applications.
Family Members and Dependents
If a spouse or common-law partner is on an open work permit linked to the principal applicant’s status, it’s advisable to synchronize renewal timelines. Similarly, minor children may be attending school on study permits that are tied to the principal worker’s status. Make sure all family members maintain valid status during and after the renewal process.
Bridging Work Permits
If a PR application has been submitted and eligibility requirements are met, the worker may apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to remain employed during the processing period. This can offer significant flexibility, especially when transitioning from a closed to an open permit.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer for Assistance
Renewing a temporary work permit in Canada involves more than just completing forms. It’s a strategic process that should be aligned with long-term career and immigration goals, making it crucial to work with a qualified immigration lawyer. Serving Vancouver, British Columbia, and the surrounding areas—including Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam—Golden & Associates is here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us today to learn more.