Guide on Renewing Work Permit and Visa in Canada

If you are staying in Canada to increase your chances of permanent migration, you may need to boost your income by finding employment. However, you may be uncertain about the distinction between a Canadian work visa and a work permit.

If you are an international student, you may also be wondering how your study visa impacts your ability to work. We will provide information about this below.

Alternatively, if you do not have a work permit yet, you may find it useful to learn how to acquire one.

Let's first clarify the difference between a work visa and a work permit. This is a common mistake among those seeking to work in Canada. A work visa is authorization to work in the country, while a work permit grants you the ability to work during your stay. For example, as an international student in Canada, you can apply for a work permit to work part-time while studying. However, this is not equivalent to a Canadian work visa, and your status remains that of a student who can work part-time.

To renew a work visa in Canada, you must meet specific requirements, including an approved job offer and a work permit. Specific eligibility requirements must be met for each type of worker - highly skilled workers, low-skilled workers, temporary agricultural workers, and domestic assistants. If you wish to renew your work permit as an international student, you must have a valid job offer. A comprehensive online questionnaire must be completed, following which a government representative will guide you through the next steps. It is advisable to begin the visa and permit renewal process well in advance to avoid complications.

When considering your application for a work permit extension in Canada, there are certain factors that we take into account. These include the amount of time you have spent in Canada thus far, the reasons for your request, and the duration of the extension that you are seeking. We also consider your compliance with all conditions, such as your financial stability and whether or not you have any illnesses that prevent you from working.

Other factors that we consider include the length of the extension requested, as well as your overall track record, including any criminal history. We will evaluate all of these criteria to determine whether you continue to meet the requirements necessary to renew your work permit. Assuming everything checks out, your work permit will be renewed and you can continue working in the country.

It is recommended that you begin the process of renewing your work permit about three months before it is set to expire. This will give you ample time to complete all the necessary paperwork and allow for any delays that may occur.

Once your application is submitted, you can continue working while the renewal is being processed. It's important to note that there are significant differences between a work permit and a work visa in Canada, so make sure you understand which one applies to you.

In conclusion, extending your work permit in Canada can be a complicated process, but armed with this information, you should be well-equipped to navigate the system and continue working in the country. Good luck!