If you’re working in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), you may need to take action. It might be necessary to extend your work permit to continue working legally. Your job might have changed. Your employer may have offered you a new role. Alternatively, your current permit could be expiring. This guide will walk you through the process of extending your TFWP work permit. Let’s dive in!
Why Extend Your TFWP Work Permit?
TFWP work permits are issued for a specific period. If you want to keep working in Canada beyond that time, you’ll need to apply for an extension. Here are some common reasons to extend your permit:
- Your current work permit is about to expire.
- Your job role, pay, or responsibilities have changed.
- You’ve been offered a new job with the same or a different employer.
Extending your TFWP work permit ensures you can continue working legally in Canada without interruption.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying to extend your TFWP work permit, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Your current work permit must still be valid or have expired less than 90 days ago.
- Your employer must have a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a positive or neutral result.
- You must have a valid passport with enough time left before it expires.
If you apply before your current permit expires, you’ll benefit from maintained status. This status allows you to keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made on your application.
Step 2: Check Your Passport Expiry Date
Your work permit cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. If your passport is about to expire, renew it before applying for a work permit extension. This ensures you get the maximum validity for your new permit.
Step 3: Ensure Your Employer Has a Valid LMIA
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial requirement for TFWP work permits. Your employer must apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to obtain or renew the LMIA. Here’s what you need to know:
- The LMIA process can take several months, so start early.
- Your employer must provide you with a copy of the LMIA approval letter and a job offer letter.
Note: Some LMIA applications may be refused. This may occur for low-wage positions in high-unemployment areas. It may also happen for in-home caregiver roles with live-in requirements.
Step 4: Apply to Extend Your Work Permit
Once your employer has the LMIA and job offer letter, you can apply to extend your TFWP work permit. Follow these steps:
- Create an Online Account: Visit the IRCC website and create an account to submit your application.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide all required details, including your personal information, job details, and LMIA information.
- Upload Documents: Include your passport, LMIA approval letter, job offer letter, and proof of current employment.
- Pay the Fees: The application fee is CAD 155∗∗. If biometrics are required, there is an additional cost of ∗∗CAD85.
- Submit Your Application: Review all details and submit your application online.
Tip: Online applications are faster and allow you to track your application status and upload additional documents if needed.
Step 5: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
If you haven’t provided biometrics in the last 10 years, you’ll need to do so for your work permit extension. Here’s how:
- Pay the biometrics fee when submitting your application.
- Wait for the biometrics instruction letter from IRCC.
- Book an appointment at an official biometrics collection center.
Can You Start a New Job Before Getting a New Work Permit?
Normally, TFWP work permits are closed, meaning you can only work for the employer listed on your permit. However, a temporary public policy allows you to start a new job before receiving your new permit if:
- You’ve submitted an application for an employer-specific work permit.
- You meet specific eligibility criteria.
- You include the code “PPCHANGEWORK2020” in your IRCC web form submission.
This policy was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help workers transition to new jobs more easily.
What Documents Do You Need to Extend Your Work Permit?
When applying for a TFWP work permit extension, you’ll need the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- A copy of the LMIA approval letter.
- A copy of your job offer letter.
- Proof of current employment.
- Any additional documents requested by IRCC.
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary jobs when no qualified Canadians are available. TFWP work permits are closed, meaning you can only work for the employer listed on your permit. To hire under this program, employers must obtain a positive LMIA. This proves that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for the job.
Extending your TFWP work permit is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. Start by checking your eligibility, ensuring your employer has a valid LMIA, and gathering the necessary documents. Applying online is the fastest and most efficient way to extend your permit.
Need help with your application? Schedule a Free Consultation with The Immigration Professional to get expert guidance and ensure a smooth process.
