Work Permit Renewal Checklist

General Eligibility Requirements

Before preparing documents, confirm:

• Current work permit not yet expired (or applied before expiry for implied status)

• Valid passport (must extend beyond intended work permit duration)

• Maintained legal status throughout stay in Canada

• Complied with all conditions of current work permit

• Currently inside Canada (for most applications)

Application timing: Apply at least 30 days before expiry, up to 180 days early.

All Applicants: Standard Documents

Identity and Application Forms

• Valid passport (all biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages)

• Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

• Applicant Details Form

• Family Information Form

• Representative submission letter (provided by YCI)

• Use of Representative Form IMM5476 (provided by YCI)

• Marriage certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applying with spouse)

Immigration Status Documents

• Current work permit (copy)

• All previous work permits

• All previous study permits (if applicable)

• Co-op work permits (if applicable)

• Proof of maintained status or extension application submission (if applicable)

Background Checks (if required)

• Medical examination exam results

• Police certificates (if requested)

Employer-Specific Work Permit Renewal (LMIA-Based)

Eligibility:

• Valid job offer from Canadian employer

• Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from employer

• Job offer terms remain substantially unchanged from original LMIA

• Employer complied with all LMIA conditions

Required documents:

From Employer

• New positive LMIA or LMIA exemption documentation

• Valid employment contract covering renewal period

• Letter of employment on company letterhead including:

  • Job title and NOC code

  • Job duties and responsibilities

  • Salary and benefits

  • Employment start date

  • Duration of employment

  • Employer contact information

• Offer of employment number (if applicable)

Employment History

• Recent pay stubs (last 6 months)

• Current resume or CV

• Joining letter from employer

• Promotion letters (if applicable)

• Leave of absence documentation (if applicable)

Note: Employer must demonstrate continued efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents and that job remains genuine.

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Renewal

PGWP can only be renewed in limited circumstances:

Scenario 1: Passport Validity Issue

If initial PGWP was issued for shorter duration due to passport expiry:

• Renewed passport with extended validity

• Copy of original PGWP showing shorter duration

• Official transcripts from program

• Program completion letter

Scenario 2: Special IRCC Measures

If IRCC announces special temporary measures allowing PGWP renewal:

• Documentation required under specific public policy measure

• Official transcripts

• Program completion letter

• Proof of eligibility under temporary measure

Spouse Open Work Permit Renewal

Your eligibility depends on your spouse's status in Canada. Choose applicable section:

If Spouse is International Student

Student must be enrolled in eligible program:

From spouse (student) in Canada:

• Valid study permit (current and expired)

• Co-op work permit (if applicable)

• Letter of acceptance from DLI showing enrollment in master's (16+ months), doctoral, or professional program

• Tuition fee receipt for current term

• Confirmation of enrollment (COE) from institution

• Program schedule or timetable

• Official or unofficial transcripts for completed portion

If Spouse is Foreign Worker

Worker must be in eligible occupation:

From spouse (worker) in Canada:

• Valid work permit with at least 16 months remaining

• Current employment letter on company letterhead including:

  • Job title and NOC code

  • Job duties (to verify TEER classification)

  • Salary and benefits

  • Start date and duration

• Recent pay stubs (4 to 6, optional but recommended)

• PGWP (if spouse is PGWP holder) or acknowledgment of PGWP application

Occupation requirements:

• TEER 0 (management)

• TEER 1 (professional requiring university degree)

• Eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations only

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

For applicants with pending permanent residence applications:

Express Entry Applicants

Eligibility:

• Valid work permit OR applied for extension before expiry OR eligible for restoration

• Principal applicant on complete PR application with acknowledgment of receipt (AOR)

• Currently in Canada

Required documents:

• Acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC for PR application

• Copy of PR application confirmation

• Current and expired work permit

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants

Eligibility:

• Valid work permit OR applied for extension before expiry OR eligible for restoration

• Principal applicant on complete PR application with AOR

• Provincial nomination approval with no employment restrictions

• Currently in Canada

Required documents:

• Provincial nomination approval letter

• Acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for PR application

• Current or expired work permit

Family Class (Inland Spousal Sponsorship) Applicants

Eligibility:

• Principal applicant on inland sponsorship application

• Currently living in Canada on a valid status

Required documents:

• Acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for sponsorship application

• Proof of same residential address as sponsor

• Current and expired status documents

TR to PR Pathway Applicants

Eligibility:

• Valid work permit OR applied for extension before expiry OR eligible for restoration

• Principal applicant on complete TR to PR application

• Approved in principle with 6 months qualifying work experience

• Currently in Canada

Required documents:

• Acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) for TR to PR application

• Approval in principle letter (if applicable)

• Proof of 6 months qualifying work experience

• Current and expired work permits

Other Open Work Permit Renewals

Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit

If escaping abusive work situation:

• Evidence of abuse or risk

• Current work permit or proof of maintained status

• Police reports or social service documentation (if applicable)

Francophone Mobility Open Work Permit

If holding open work permit under Francophone mobility:

• French language test results (CLB 5 minimum)

• Proof of intention to live outside Quebec

• Evidence supporting Francophone mobility eligibility

Employment History Documents

If claiming work experience or demonstrating employment:

• Joining letters from all employers

• Recent pay stubs (last 6 months for current employer)

• Employment letters confirming position, salary, responsibilities, duration

• Employment contracts

• Promotion or advancement letters (if applicable)

• Leave of absence documentation (if applicable)

• Current resume or CV

• T4 forms (if worked in Canada)

• Notice of Assessment (if filed taxes in Canada)

Dependent Spouse

If renewing with dependent spouse:

• Valid passport (all biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages)

• Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

• Applicant Details Form

• Family Information Form

• Current and past Canada immigration status documents

• Travel history (if applicable)

• Immigration medical exam (if required for specific occupations)

Dependent Children

Definition: Under 22 years and not married or common-law, OR 22+ years and financially dependent since before age 22 due to physical or mental condition.

For each child:

• Valid passport (all biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages)

• Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

• Applicant Details Form

• Birth certificate

• Current and past Canada immigration status documents

• Travel history (if applicable)

Common Refusal Reasons

• Application submitted after work permit expired without restoration fee

• Invalid or expired LMIA for employer-specific permits

• Employer non-compliance with original LMIA conditions

• Insufficient proof of ongoing employment

• Work permit conditions violated

• Spouse's work permit or study permit expired or ineligible program

• Missing or incomplete documentation

Signature Authorization (Optional)

Provide clear signature on white paper with blue pen for digital insertion, or manually sign forms and send scanned copies.