Other services
Work permits, extensions and restoration of status
Help with work permit applications, extending your stay, and restoring status if it has expired. Files are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Overview
A work permit allows a foreign national to work in Canada. An employer-specific permit names one employer. An open work permit allows work for most employers and is available only in certain situations, such as for some sponsored spouses and partners.
If your permit is ending, timing matters. Applying before it expires usually lets you keep working while IRCC decides. If your status has already expired, you may still be able to restore it within 90 days.
Who this may be for
- Workers in Canada who need to extend their permit
- Sponsored spouses and partners in Canada who may qualify for an open work permit
- People whose status expired within the last 90 days
- People who already have a job offer and the documents their employer must provide
General eligibility considerations
The right permit type
Whether you need an employer-specific or open work permit depends on your situation.
Employer documents
Employer-specific permits usually need documents from the employer, such as an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment through an exempt category.
Timing
Apply before your status expires. Restoration is generally only possible within 90 days.
Admissibility
Health, criminal and immigration history can affect any application.
How the process works
Consultation
We confirm what type of permit or application fits.
Document list
We tell you exactly what you and, where needed, your employer must provide.
Preparing the application
We complete the forms and organize the documents.
Submission
We submit to IRCC as your representative.
Follow-up
We respond to requests until a decision is made.
Documents you may need
- Passport
- Current permit and status documents
- Job offer documents from the employer, if applicable
- Proof of qualifications or experience, if required
- Marriage or relationship documents for spousal open work permits
- Explanation and evidence for restoration requests
How Bonti can help
- Work permit applications, including LMIA-based files
- Work permit extensions and changes of conditions
- Open work permits for sponsored spouses and partners
- Restoration of status
- Representation with IRCC
We are not currently offering recruitment or job placement services, and we do not provide job offers. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) files are accepted on a case-by-case basis, after a consultation. We do not sell do-it-yourself application packages or document-review-only services.
Common questions
Can you get me a job in Canada?
No. We do not provide job offers, and we are not currently offering recruitment or job placement services.
Do you help employers with LMIAs?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. We have experience with Labour Market Impact Assessments and accept LMIA files after a consultation. When we take one on, we are fully committed to it.
My work permit is expiring. Can I keep working?
If you apply to extend before your permit expires, you can generally keep working under the same conditions while IRCC decides. This is often called maintained status.
My status expired last month. Is it too late?
You may be able to apply to restore your status if you apply within 90 days of losing it. You cannot work while you wait for restoration.
Next step
Talk to us about your situation.
Start with a 30-minute consultation. You will leave with a clear next step and a list of documents to prepare.
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