Short intro: To extend your ability to work in Canada, most applicants use the IMM5710 (Extend/Change Conditions) form online. This guide explains who can renew, exact steps, typical fees, what to do if you’re late (restoration), and how long processing takes in 2025—written for beginners who have never applied before.
Quick Check: Are you eligible to renew?
Resultados
#1. Where are you applying from?
#2. What type of work permit do you hold/plan?
#3. How close are you to expiry?
#4. Do you have a Canadian employer ready to support the renewal?
#5. English level
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Table of Contents
Who can renew a Canada work permit in 2025?
“Renew” usually means extend your work permit from inside Canada before it expires, or change conditions/employer using the same online process. People planning from outside Canada can use this guide to understand the flow before they travel.
Basic eligibility snapshot
- You have a valid status in Canada or you qualify to restore status shortly after expiry.
- Your job offer fits your permit type:
- Employer-specific: Employer may need LMIA or LMIA-exempt proof (offer of employment number).
- Open work permit: You qualify via your category (e.g., spouse/partner, PGWP, bridging, etc.).
- You apply online and pay applicable fees; biometrics may be required.
New to visas? See also: Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) Application Guide 2025 and Tourist to Worker in Canada (2025).
Forms & documents: IMM5710 + proofs
- IMM5710 (extend/change conditions inside Canada) – completed truthfully.
- Passport (valid through the requested period; clear scans of bio page).
- Employer documents for employer-specific permits (LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer number, job letter, contract).
- Proof you still qualify for open permits (e.g., spouse documentation, PGWP evidence, or bridging PR file).
- Proof of funds if relevant, plus biometrics (if asked).
Fees, biometrics & payment
| Item | Typical Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit processing | ~$150–$200 | Core fee for most extensions. |
| Open work permit holder | ~$100 | Additional if your category requires it. |
| Biometrics | ~$85 | Per person when requested. |
| Restoration (if expired) | Variable | Paid on top of regular fees when restoring status. |
Fees can change—verify totals at checkout. For first-timers, our Health & Care Visa (UK) guide shows a similar fee logic for sponsored routes (comparison only).
Processing times in 2025 (what to expect)
- Online in-Canada extensions: often several weeks to a few months depending on volume.
- Biometrics requests: can add time; book promptly if asked.
- Implied status: if you apply before expiry, you may keep working under the same conditions while a decision is pending.
Times vary by stream and season. Planning early (60+ days) reduces risk.
Step-by-step: Extend or change conditions
- Create/Sign in to your IRCC account.
- Answer the online questionnaire to get the correct checklist (IMM5710 for inside-Canada).
- Upload documents: passport, employer proofs (LMIA or offer number), category evidence for open permits.
- Pay fees (work permit + open permit holder if applicable + biometrics).
- Submit and watch for biometrics/medical/police requests.
- Wait for decision; if applied before expiry, continue under implied status.
If your permit already expired (restoration)
If you missed the deadline, you may apply to restore status within the allowed window. You must pay restoration fees in addition to regular ones, and you cannot work until your status is restored and a new permit is issued.
Related: Canada Work Permit Renewal (Inside-Canada) and Visitor-to-Work Permit Pathways.
Common mistakes & refusals
- Applying too late: you lose implied status and must stop working or go through restoration.
- Wrong permit type: match your job and category (LMIA vs. LMIA-exempt vs. open permit).
- Expired passport: IRCC won’t issue beyond passport validity.
- Missing employer proofs: ensure LMIA/offer number and job letter are correct.
- Ignoring requests: respond quickly to biometrics/medical/police checks.
FAQ
Can I keep working while my extension is processing? If you applied before expiry, you may have implied status to keep working under the same conditions.
Do I always need biometrics? Not always; IRCC will tell you if needed.
What if I’m outside Canada? You can’t “extend” from abroad, but you can plan your next permit or entry strategy (see our TRV Guide and Tourist to Worker).
© 2025 NextStep Europe — Educational content only, not legal advice.