The Government of Canada has outlined important changes to work permit extension policies that impact on temporary foreign workers, international students and open work permit holders. The new guidelines require applicants to forward their extension applications by the deadline of 21 October 2025 to keep working legally in Canada.
Who Needs to Apply?
- Foreign workers with employer-specific permits that are temporary.
- Legitimate work permits on international students studying at a particular institution.
- Husbands and wife with open work permit.
- To prevent the lapses of the legal status, applicants should not have their current permit expired before or shortly after 21 October 2025.
Significant Work Permit Extension Rules in the Year 2025
- Simplified web applications through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
- Increased documentation demands such as renewed employment certificates, documents of study or marriage permits of spouses.
- This is because the focus is on submitting timely to preserve implied status so that one can continue to work until the application is processed.
- It is still about CAD $155 in processing fee plus biometrics fee where necessary.
- Coverage of permit lapses in case of extension in time.
Extensions of Work Permit Documents
- Sound passport and up to date work permit.
- Evidence of employment or attendance at a learning institution.
- Latest payrolls or notice of contract.
- Medical and police certificates in case of necessity.
- Open work permits through spouse requires marriage certificate or evidence of relationship.
How to Apply
- Register or access your online account in IRCC.
- Complete Work Permit extension form and file.
- Provide the required paperwork in the online format.
- Make the necessary application fees online.
- Check the status of application through your IRCC account.
Significance of Early Applicability
To have an implied status provision, it is necessary to apply not less than 30 days before the expiry to be in a position to be working on the case without any legal limitation being imposed on the legal work as a person awaits the acceptance of the extension. Failure to meet the application deadline exposes one to possible expiration of applications, loss of legal status in work and possible removal cases.
Summary Table: Canada Work Permit Extension 2025 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 21 October 2025 |
| Application Method | Online via IRCC portal |
| Fees | CAD $155 + biometrics fee if required |
| Required Documents | Passport, work permit, employment proof, medical/police certificates (if any) |
| Implied Status Eligibility | Applies if application filed before expiry |
| Beneficiaries | Temporary workers, international students, spouses with open work permits |
FAQs
Q1: What will become of me in case of missing the deadline 21 oct 2025?
You will risk losing your legal position to work and could have problems with re-application.
Q2: Is it possible to continue working as the extension is being processed?
Yes, as long as you do it prior to the expiration of your current permit, implied status provides that you can continue to work.
Q3: Does paper work differ on open work permits?
Yes, you require more evidences such as marriage certificates and the work status of the partner.
Q4: What is the time it takes to process the extension?
It usually takes a number of weeks but online processing is quicker.
