How to Extend a Work Permit in Canada Before It Expires

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To extend your work permit in Calgary, you should ideally apply online at least 30 days before it expires to benefit from “maintained status.” The standard IRCC processing fee is $155. If your permit has already expired, you must stop working immediately and apply for a restoration of status within 90 days.

Understanding the Work Permit Extension

Working in Calgary, Alberta, provides fantastic economic opportunities, but keeping your immigration status valid is your most important responsibility 📅. Knowing how to extend a work permit in Canada before it expires ensures you do not face a sudden interruption in your career or lose your right to earn an income. If you miss the federal deadline, the consequences can be severe, including having to leave the country and start the process all over again.

As of June 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strictly enforces expiry dates, meaning proactive planning is essential 📊. Whether you are waiting for a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while your Permanent Residence application is processing, you need a clear strategy. This guide breaks down the critical deadlines, fees, and exact steps to keep you legally employed in Alberta without falling out of status.

Step-by-Step Process in Calgary, Alberta

Step 1: Check Your Expiry Date and Eligibility

The most critical rule is to apply before your current permit expires 🔍. IRCC strongly recommends submitting your application at least 30 days in advance. By applying early, you automatically receive “maintained status” (formerly known as implied status). This legal protection allows you to keep working in Calgary under the exact same conditions while you wait for the government’s decision, even if your original permit expires during the wait. During this period, you can continue to use your provincial health care and driver’s licence, though you may need to show registry offices proof that you submitted your extension on time. However, under the May 1, 2026 IRCC operational updates, if a previous extension application is returned as incomplete, your maintained status is immediately canceled, and your 90-day restoration window is backdated to start on the original expiry date of your permit.

Step 2: Obtain a New LMIA or Job Offer Number

If you are on an employer-specific permit, your employer usually needs to secure a new LMIA from Service Canada or submit a new offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal 💼. If an LMIA is required, your company must pay the $1,000 application fee and complete the mandatory advertising process to prove no Canadian could fill the role. For LMIA-exempt roles, your employer must pay the $230 employer compliance fee and generate an “A-number” which you will absolutely need for your online application.

Step 3: What to Do if Your Old LMIA Has Expired

If your old LMIA has expired and your employer is currently waiting for a new one, the situation becomes tricky but manageable ⚠️. Generally, you can still submit your work permit extension application before your current permit expires, including proof that the new LMIA application is already in progress (such as a Service Canada file number or payment receipt). This strategy keeps you on maintained status, meaning your life in Alberta does not have to pause. Once the new LMIA is finally approved by the government, you can send the document to IRCC via the secure web form to update your pending application before an officer makes a final decision.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Biometrics

Almost all work permit extensions are processed online through the IRCC secure portal 🖥️. You will upload your digital forms (IMM 5710), a clear colour copy of your passport, your new job offer letter, and a digital photo. While the application is submitted online to a federal processing centre, you might be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if yours have expired. If requested, you can book an appointment at the local Service Canada Centre located at the Harry Hays Building, 220 4th Avenue Southeast, Suite 150, Calgary, AB T2G 4X3.

How Much Does it Cost?

Budgeting for your Canada work visa extension is important, as federal fees must be paid upfront when you submit the application 💰.

Standard Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 per applicant.
Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 (This is an extra fee if you are applying for an open permit, such as a BOWP or a Spousal Open Work Permit, bringing the total to $255).
Biometrics Fee: $85 (if your previous biometrics have expired or were never given in the last 10 years).
Restoration of Status Fee: $246.25 (You only pay this penalty if your permit expired and you are applying within the 90-day grace period. The total cost to restore your status and apply for a new work permit is $401.25, which combines the $246.25 restoration fee with the base $155 permit fee).

How Long Does the Process Take?

Processing times for an inside-Canada extension fluctuate heavily based on the time of year and government backlogs ⏳. As of June 2026, here are the typical expectations depending on whether you are applying online or via paper in Alberta:

Online Applications: Currently take approximately 186 days (about 6 months) to process.
Paper Applications: Significantly slower than online processing (IRCC highly discourages paper applications unless you have a certified disability or a known system issue).
Maintained Status Duration: You are legally allowed to continue working for the entire 186 days (approximately 6 months) it takes IRCC to process your file, provided you submitted the complete application before midnight UTC on the day your current permit expired.

Navigating the complex regulations of work permit extensions in Canada can be incredibly stressful, especially when deadlines are tight and your livelihood is on the line. If you are currently working in Calgary, Alberta, and are struggling with LMIA requirements, maintained status, or restoring your legal status, consider seeking professional help. Reaching out to a knowledgeable Canadian immigration lawyer from our extensive directory can help you clearly understand your options and ensure your application is submitted correctly. 🤝

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I apply one day after my work permit expires?

If you miss the expiry date by even one day, you immediately lose your legal right to work and must stop working in Calgary. However, under IRCC operational guidelines updated on May 1, 2026, you can apply to restore your status within 90 days. Furthermore, you can now use “category-switching” to restore your status as a visitor (obtaining a Visitor Record) without needing an active LMIA at the time of submission. Note that if a previous extension request was returned as incomplete, your maintained status is void, and your 90-day restoration period is backdated to your original permit’s expiry date.

Can I travel outside of Canada while on maintained status?

Generally, if you leave Canada while waiting for your work permit extension, you will lose your maintained status. When you return, you may be allowed to re-enter as a visitor, but you will not be able to resume working until your new work permit is officially approved and issued.

Does my employer have to pay the compliance fee again for an extension?

Yes, if you are on an LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit, your employer must submit a new offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 compliance fee again before you can apply for your extension.

Can I change employers while my extension is processing?

Under maintained status, you are only authorized to work for the exact employer and under the strict conditions listed on your original, expired permit. If you want to switch jobs, you usually need to wait for the new permit to be approved or follow specific IRCC public policies for changing employers.