Already in Canada on a work permit? Apply to extend before your current one expires. AI
fills IMM 5710 E from your existing permit, job offer, and supporting documents. You review
everything before submission, with free DIY tools and platform features alongside.
Apply before your current permit expires. Earlier is always better - IRCC processing
can take months.
1
Join the waitlist - we check your deadline and status
2
Upload your existing permit, job offer, and documents
3
AI fills your IMM 5710 E - you confirm travel and declarations
4
Guides approves and submits to IRCC online
No obligation · 30 minutes · Deadline check included
What you need to know
Extending your work permit from inside Canada
If you are already in Canada on a valid work permit, you can apply to extend it using Form IMM 5710
E - without leaving the country. This applies to both employer-specific (closed) and open work
permits.
The most critical rule: apply before your current permit expires. If you apply before the
expiry date and IRCC has not yet made a decision, you may be able to continue working under implied
status - but only if you meet specific conditions. If your permit expires before you apply, you lose
the right to work while your application is being processed.
IRCC processing times for extensions from inside Canada can be significant - often 4–8 months or
longer depending on application volume. This is why applying early (ideally 3–4 months before
expiry) is strongly recommended.
Quick Facts - IMM 5710 E
Form numberIMM 5710 E
Applicant locationInside
Canada
Application typeExtension of Work
Permit
Must applyBefore current
expiry
IRCC fee (closed WP)$155 CAD
IRCC fee (open WP)$255 CAD
Biometrics (if expired)$85 CAD
Processing time4–8+ months
Implied status availableYes
(conditions apply)
Platform featuresfree
(flat)
The most important concept
Maintained status & implied status - explained
The difference between these two
statuses determines whether you can legally continue working while waiting for IRCC to process your extension.
Get this wrong and you could lose your right to work.
Implied Status (Maintained Status)
You applied to extend your work permit before it
expired AND you are applying for the same type of permit. Under implied status, you can legally
continue doing the same work, for the same employer, under the same conditions as your original permit -
while IRCC processes your extension application. You do not need to stop working.
No Status (Applied Too Late)
If your work permit expires and you have NOT submitted your
extension application, you lose your right to work in Canada immediately. You also lose your legal status as
a temporary resident. You may be able to apply to restore your status, but this is a more complex and
uncertain process. Never let your permit expire without applying first.
Implied Status - Conditions Apply
Implied status does not apply if: you are changing
employers (even if your new employer is LMIA-approved), you are applying for a different type of permit
(e.g., closed open), or your original permit
included a "no work" condition. GetNorthPath helps you confirm
whether implied status applies to your exact situation.
Open Work Permit Extension
If you currently hold an open work permit (PGWP, spouse OWP, IEC,
BOWP), implied status allows you to continue working for any Canadian employer while your extension is
pending - as long as you applied before your permit expired and are extending to another open work permit.
GetNorthPath
recommendation: Apply to extend your work permit at least 90–120 days
before it expires. IRCC processing times fluctuate - applying early gives you a buffer. If you have
fewer than 90 days remaining on your permit, Book a walkthrough.
Can I apply?
Eligibility - Work Permit Extension Inside Canada
Select the category that matches your current work permit situation.
Employer-Specific (Closed WP)
Open Work Permit
Bridging OWP (BOWP)
You can extend if…
You are applying before your current work permit expires
You are continuing with the same employer in the same role - your employer must have a current, valid
LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer offer
You are admissible to Canada (no criminal or health inadmissibility)
Your employer's LMIA is still valid for the extension period you are requesting
You can demonstrate sufficient funds to maintain yourself in Canada
You intend to leave Canada when your extended permit expires
Complications
to watch for
Changing employers - you cannot extend your current closed WP to work for a new employer. A new
application is required.
Your employer's LMIA expires before your new requested end date - they may need a new LMIA first
If you need a medical examination and your last medical result has expired (usually 1–5 years
depending on country)
Criminal charges or convictions that occurred since your original permit was issued
Working in a different province than stated on your permit without a separate application
Open WP categories
eligible to extend
PGWP: Cannot be extended - PGWP is issued once. If you want to stay, you must
transition to a different open WP (e.g., spouse OWP) or pursue Express Entry / PR.
Spouse/common-law partner OWP: Extend if your sponsor's underlying permit is still
valid and they meet the NOC TEER criteria
Bridging OWP (BOWP): Apply if you have a pending PR application and your current
permit (including any BOWP) is expiring - see BOWP tab
IEC (Working Holiday): IEC permits cannot be extended inside Canada - you must exit
and re-apply from abroad under a new IEC round
Protected persons OWP: Can extend while PR application is pending
What you need
Current work permit or other valid temporary resident status document
Proof that you still meet the qualifying category (sponsor's updated work permit, renewed PR
application receipt, etc.)
Biometrics if more than 10 years have passed since your last biometrics enrollment
Proof of funds (bank statements, employment letter with salary)
Bridging OWP -
eligibility
You have a pending permanent residence application (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee, or other
in-Canada stream)
You currently hold a valid work permit (or are under implied status)
Your PR application was submitted before your current work permit expires (or is submitted at the
same time as your BOWP application)
You work in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (check with GetNorthPath if unsure)
You are physically in Canada when you apply
BOWP - what you need
AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) letter from your PR application
Current work permit or implied status evidence
Job offer or existing employment evidence (if occupation-based)
Proof of NOC TEER category for your occupation
BOWP is open - you can work for any employer once it is issued, giving you flexibility while waiting
for your PR to be finalized
What to gather
Required Documents
GetNorthPath AI reads and validates each document instantly. Fields tagged AI are extracted and pre-filled into your IMM 5710 E
automatically.
Identity & Current Status
Required Valid passport - all pages AI
Required Current work permit (both sides) AI
Required All previous Canadian visas, permits, IMM
documents AI
Passport-style photo (IRCC specifications)
Travel history record (if requested)
Employment & Employer
Required Updated job offer letter (position, wage,
location, duration) AI
If closed WP Valid positive LMIA (must cover extension
period) AI
If LMIA-exempt Updated employer exemption letter + Offer of Employment
number
Optional Recent pay stubs or employment confirmation letter AI
If ICT/CUSMA Updated documentation of qualifying employment
Financial Evidence
Required Bank statements - last 3–6 months AI
Required Employment confirmation letter with salary AI
Most recent T4 or Notice of Assessment (if available)
Statement must be issued within 90 days of application
Background & Medical
If applicable Police certificate (if requested or criminal history exists)
If expired New medical examination result from IRCC-designated physician
If applicable Biometrics (if 10+ years since last enrollment)
GetNorthPath helps you see which apply to your case
Open WP - Additional
Spouse OWP Sponsor's updated work permit + proof of NOC TEER AI
Spouse OWP Updated marriage certificate or proof of common-law
relationship
Required 10-year travel history (all countries visited) - AI cannot read
from documents
Required Legal declarations (prior refusals, criminal history, medical) -
must be answered by you
Required Ties to home country - employment, family, property
Required Intended address in Canada if changing
The GetNorthPath process
How we extend your work permit
From first consultation to IRCC submission - move fast, because every week counts.
1
Deadline Check
We confirm your expiry date, implied status eligibility, and whether you need to act
immediately. If you have fewer than 60 days, we fast-track.
Feature-assisted
2
Upload Documents
Upload your existing permit, passport, job offer, LMIA (if applicable), and bank
statements. AI validates each within 10 seconds.
AI-powered
3
AI Fills IMM 5710 E
AI pre-fills your form from your documents. You fill in travel history, ties, and
declarations via the My Details section. AI runs a preliminary check on your answers.
AI-powered
4
free tools
GetNorthPath checks every field, document, and declaration. They confirm implied
status conditions and flag any IRCC compliance issues.
Feature-assisted
5
Submit Online
One-click IRCC submission via the GetNorthPath Chrome Extension. You receive your
submission receipt - keep it as proof of implied status if needed.
Feature-assisted
What happens after you submit
Immediately
You receive an IRCC submission
receipt. This is your proof that your extension is pending. Save it carefully.
Within a few weeks
You may receive a
biometrics instruction letter (if biometrics are needed). You must respond to this promptly.
4–8+ months later
IRCC issues a decision.
If approved, your new work permit is mailed or emailed. GetNorthPath monitors and follows up on delays.
AI-powered
What AI fills in your IMM 5710 E
Most of your form is auto-filled from your existing permit and uploaded documents.
You only fill in the sections that require your personal knowledge.
IMM 5710 E - Auto-fill Preview
Work Permit Extension
Field
Value
Source
Family name
SAMPLE
AI
Given name(s)
the applicant
AI
Date of birth
1998-11-14
AI
Current WP expiry
2026-09-15
AI
Passport number
N●●●●●●7
AI
Employer name
Maple Tech Inc.
AI
Job title (NOC)
Sr. Software Eng. (21232)
AI
Work location
Toronto, ON
AI
LMIA number
A-138●●●●●
AI
Offered wage
$95,000 CAD/yr
AI
Available funds
$14,800 CAD
AI
Travel history
You fill this in
You
Criminal declarations
You fill this in
You
+ 18 more fields
auto-filled · Guides verifies all
Deadline Detection
AI reads your current work permit and flags your exact expiry date. It calculates how
many days you have remaining and confirms whether implied status conditions will apply to your extension
if submitted today.
Document Validator - 10 seconds
Your existing permit, LMIA, job offer letter, and bank statements are validated
immediately on upload. AI cross-references names, dates, and LMIA numbers across all documents for
consistency.
IMM 5710 E Form Fill
AI pre-populates all extractable fields directly from your uploaded documents -
permit number, employer details, NOC code, LMIA reference, wages, and financial figures. GetNorthPath
reviews every field.
My Details Preliminary Check
After you fill in your travel history, ties to home country, and declarations, AI
runs a preliminary check - flagging inconsistencies, incomplete travel history, or weak answers that an
IRCC officer might question.
Chrome Extension - One-Click Submit
Once you approve, the GetNorthPath Chrome Extension loads all verified
data into the IRCC portal and submits in one click. Your submission receipt - proof of implied status -
is saved in your portal immediately.
Timeline & Processing
What to expect after you apply
!
Start now - book consultation
Confirm your expiry date, permit type, and eligibility. We fast-track if you have
under 60 days remaining.
Day 0 - Today
2
Upload documents + AI fills IMM 5710 E
Upload your permit, LMIA, job offer, and bank statements. Complete your travel
history and declarations in My Details.
Day 1–3
3
Prepare your file, then submit to IRCC
You check the file. One-click Chrome Extension submission. You receive
your submission receipt immediately.
Day 4–7
4
Biometrics instruction (if required)
IRCC may request biometrics. You attend your nearest VAC. Biometrics fee: $85 CAD,
valid for 10 years once enrolled.
~2–4 weeks after submission
IRCC decision - new permit issued
Approved: your new permit is mailed or emailed. GetNorthPath monitors progress and
follows up if IRCC exceeds posted processing times.
4–8+ months after submission
IRCC Processing Times - Inside Canada
Employer-specific (closed WP)4–8 months
Open Work Permit extension3–8 months
Bridging OWP (BOWP)3–6 months
Spouse OWP extension4–7 months
IRCC processing times fluctuate.
Always check current posted times at ircc.canada.ca before applying.
If your permit expires
while waiting
As long as you applied before
your permit expired, you are under implied status and can continue working. Keep your
submission receipt - it is your proof. Do not leave Canada while your extension is pending, as this
terminates implied status.
Do NOT leave Canada
while pending
If you leave Canada while your extension
application is in progress, your application is automatically abandoned. You would need to apply for a
new work permit from outside Canada. Always consult GetNorthPath before any international travel
during a pending application.
What's included
Features and free tools. That's the platform.
Document checks, form fill, and a walkthrough for the whole extension.
Work Permit Extension - Inside Canada
Closed or open · IMM 5710 E · All extension types
free CAD
IRCC government fees are separate (from $155 CAD)
What's included
Join the waitlist - expiry date check + implied status assessment
AI Document Validator - 10-second checks on every upload
AI auto-fill of IMM 5710 E from your existing permit + documents
My Details intake - travel history, ties, declarations
AI Preliminary Check on your answers before your final check
Full GetNorthPath checks - every document and form field
One-click IRCC online submission via Chrome Extension
Submission receipt saved in your portal (proof of implied status)
Direct email + in-app messaging in your GetNorthPath dashboard
Additional IRCC costs (not included)
IRCC fee - closed work permit$155 CAD
IRCC fee - open work permit$255 CAD
Biometrics (if 10+ yrs since last)$85 CAD
LMIA-exempt employer compliance fee$230 CAD
Medical examination (if
required)Varies
GetNorthPath helps confirm exactly which fees apply
at your free tools.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep working while my extension is being processed?
+
Yes - if you applied to extend before your current permit expired and you are applying for
the same type of permit with the same employer. This is called "implied status" or "maintained status." You
can continue working under the same conditions as your original permit until IRCC makes a decision. Keep your
submission receipt as proof. If you changed employers or are changing permit types, implied status may not
apply - ask GetNorthPath to confirm.
What happens if my permit expires before I apply?
+
If your permit expires and you have not submitted your extension application, you immediately
lose your right to work and your legal temporary resident status in Canada. You would need to apply to restore
your status (Restoration of Status) - a more complex and uncertain process. This is why applying at least
90–120 days before expiry is critical. If your permit has already expired, contact us immediately for a
restoration assessment.
Can I travel outside Canada while my extension is pending?
+
No. If you leave Canada while your extension application is being processed, your application
is automatically abandoned. You would lose implied status and need to apply for a new work permit from outside
Canada using IMM 1295. Always speak with GetNorthPath before any international travel during a pending
extension. In rare circumstances - such as a family emergency - GetNorthPath can help you see on whether to
withdraw and re-apply from abroad.
Do I need new biometrics for my extension?
+
Not necessarily. Once given, biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you provided biometrics
within the last 10 years for a Canadian immigration application, IRCC already has them on file and you will
not be asked to provide them again. IRCC will notify you if new biometrics are required after you submit your
extension application. GetNorthPath helps you see with the free tools whether biometrics are expected.
Can I change employers when I extend my work permit?
+
Not using Form IMM 5710 E if you are on a closed (employer-specific) work permit. An
employer-specific work permit extension must be with the same employer. If you want to change employers, your
new employer must obtain a new LMIA (unless exempt) and you apply for a new work permit - either from inside
Canada (using IMM 5710 E for the new employer) or from outside. If you hold an open work permit, you can
already work for any employer and no action is needed to switch employers.
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and do I need one?
+
A Bridging OWP is an open work permit available to people who have applied for permanent
residence and whose current work permit is expiring. It lets you continue working for any Canadian employer
while IRCC processes your PR application. You may need a BOWP if: your current work permit is expiring, you
have a pending PR application, and you work in a NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 occupation. GetNorthPath helps you confirm
BOWP eligibility with the free tools - it is often the best option for people on the path to PR.
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