Extending your work permit from inside Canada only grants you a new status document, it does not automatically give you a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) sticker in your passport. You must apply for the TRV separately, which generally costs $100 CAD, if you plan to travel internationally and return to Canada.
Navigating the rules of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can be incredibly confusing for foreign nationals. 📍 Whether you are currently working in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, a common misunderstanding involves the difference between a status document and a travel document. Many newcomers assume that renewing their permission to work automatically allows them to cross the border freely, but this is a costly misconception.
A work permit is a paper document that authorizes you to remain and work in Canada. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), on the other hand, is the physical counterfoil sticker placed inside your passport that allows you to board a flight and enter the country. ⚠️ If you are from a visa-requiring country and your original TRV has expired, leaving Canada with only your new work permit piece of paper means you may be denied re-entry at the border. Understanding how to manage these two separate applications is essential for your immigration journey.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada for Extending Your Work Permit and TRV
The process of securing both documents must be done sequentially if you are applying from inside Canada (inland). Generally, the IRCC system requires you to possess the newly approved work permit before you can request the new visa sticker. 💼
Step 1: Extending Your Work Permit Online
Your first task is to apply for your work permit extension before your current status expires. You will submit the IMM 5710 form online through your secure IRCC portal. If you submit this application before your current permit expires, you benefit from “Maintained Status” (formerly known as implied status), allowing you to legally continue working in Canada under the same conditions while awaiting a decision.
Step 2: Waiting for the Mailed Document
Once IRCC approves your inland extension, they will mail a new physical work permit to your Canadian residential address. 📬 You must wait until this physical document arrives in your mailbox, as you will need details from it-such as the new expiry date and document number-to proceed with the next phase of your application.
Step 3: Submitting Your TRV Application to IRCC
With your new work permit in hand, you can log back into your IRCC portal to submit a new application for a Temporary Resident Visa from inside Canada. You will need to upload a digital scan of your new work permit, your current passport pages, and proof of funds to show you can support yourself. Consulting a local immigration lawyer from our directory can ensure your application is flawless.
Step 4: Mailing Your Passport for the Visa Sticker
If your TRV application is approved, IRCC will send you a “Passport Request” letter. 📂 You must then physically mail your original passport to the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa. After a few weeks, your passport will be mailed back to you via Canada Post courier, complete with the new TRV sticker, allowing you to travel internationally.
How Much Does It Cost in Canada?
Budgeting for immigration fees is an important part of extending your stay. When extending your status inland, the government fees are charged separately for the permit and the visa. 💰
| Service / Document | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Extension Fee | $155 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee (if applicable) | $100 |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Application | $100 |
| Biometrics Fee (if not given in last 10 years) | $85 |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times with IRCC fluctuate significantly based on backlogs and the season. ⏱ Inland work permit extensions can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months. Once that is approved, applying for the TRV from inside Canada typically adds an additional 3 to 6 weeks. Therefore, you should anticipate a total timeline of 4 to 7 months before you have both your new permit and your passport sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel outside Canada with just my new work permit?
Generally, no. If you are from a visa-requiring country, a work permit alone is not a valid travel document. You need a valid TRV sticker in your passport to board a commercial flight back to Canada. The only exception is if you are travelling solely to the United States and returning directly to Canada.
Do I need a TRV if I am from a visa-exempt country?
No. If your passport is from a visa-exempt country (like the UK or Australia), you do not need a TRV. However, you will need a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) linked to your passport to fly into Canada.
What happens if my TRV expires while I am waiting for my work permit extension?
You are perfectly fine to remain inside Canada. As long as you applied for your work permit extension before your original status expired, you have “Maintained Status.” An expired TRV only affects your ability to re-enter Canada if you choose to leave.
Can I apply for both the work permit and the TRV at the exact same time?
If you are applying from inside Canada, the online portal generally forces you to do them sequentially. You must wait for the work permit approval first. If you are applying from outside of Canada (consular processing), the TRV is issued automatically alongside the work permit approval.
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