Top 7 Ways to Apply for a Work Permit Inside Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

Applying for a Canadian work permit from within the country is possible if you meet specific eligibility criteria, such as holding a valid study or work permit, being eligible for a post-graduation work permit, or having a spouse or common-law partner who is a study or work permit holder. The process involves checking your eligibility, gathering documents, and submitting an online application through the IRCC portal. According to IRCC’s official work permit page, most applicants inside Canada must apply online unless exempt.

TL;DR: You can apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you meet specific eligibility conditions, such as holding a valid study or work permit, being on a maintained status, or having a spouse who is a student or worker in Canada. The application is typically submitted online via your IRCC secure account, and processing times vary. Use Evola AI’s free tools to check your eligibility and predict your application’s success before you apply.

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Who is eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada?

You can apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you fall into one of the specific categories defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These categories are designed for individuals who are already legally in Canada under certain conditions. The eligibility criteria are strict, so it’s crucial to confirm you qualify before starting your application.

According to IRCC’s official guidelines on applying for a work permit, you may be eligible to apply from within Canada if you:

• Hold a valid study or work permit.
• Your spouse or common-law partner holds a valid study or work permit.
• You are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• You have a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months.
• You are in Canada as a refugee claimant or under the Safe Third Country Agreement.
• You are awaiting a decision on a permanent residence application under specific programs.

Key Facts:

• You cannot apply from inside Canada if you are a visitor unless you are switching from visitor status under a specific public policy (which can change).
• Having a valid status when you apply is mandatory. If your status has expired, you must first apply to restore it.
• Pro Tip: Before gathering documents, use Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor to assess your profile's strength and identify potential red flags in your eligibility.

What are the different types of work permits available for an inside-Canada application?

The two main types of work permits you can apply for from within Canada are employer-specific (closed) work permits and open work permits. An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer, while an open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada. Your situation will determine which type you are eligible for.

An open work permit is often the most flexible option for applicants inside Canada. You can apply for one if you are:

• A graduate of a designated learning institution eligible for a PGWP.
• The spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student in Canada.
• An applicant for permanent residence under certain programs (like Spousal Sponsorship or the Canadian Experience Class).
• A dependent family member of someone who has applied for permanent residence.

Key Facts:

• An employer-specific work permit requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer, unless the job is LMIA-exempt.
• According to IRCC’s official page on open work permits, you do not need a job offer or an LMIA to apply for this permit type.
• Pro Tip: Use Evola AI’s platform to instantly check if your job offer or situation is LMIA-exempt, saving you hours of manual research.

What is the step-by-step process to apply online?

The application process for a work permit from inside Canada is primarily done online through the IRCC secure account. It involves preparing your documents, filling out forms accurately, paying fees, and submitting your application. Missing a step or document is a common reason for delays or refusals, so attention to detail is critical.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying online:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Confirm you meet one of the conditions to apply from within Canada.
2. Gather Your Documents: This typically includes a valid passport, digital photos, proof of your current status in Canada, and documents specific to the work permit type (e.g., LMIA number, marriage certificate for a spousal open work permit).
3. Take a Medical Exam (if required): You may need an immigration medical exam if you have recently lived in certain countries or plan to work in specific sectors like healthcare or childcare.
4. Complete the Application Forms: The main forms are the IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker) and your family information form.
5. Pay the Fees: You will need to pay the processing fee ($155 CAD for a work permit) and the open work permit holder fee ($100 CAD), if applicable.
6. Submit Your Application: Upload all your documents and submit the application through your IRCC secure account.

Key Facts:

• Keep copies of everything you submit.
• Processing times can be found on the IRCC website and vary depending on the type of work permit and your country of residence.
• Pro Tip: Evola AI’s document checklist feature can generate a personalized list of required documents for your specific situation, ensuring you don’t miss anything.

How do I maintain my legal status while my work permit application is processing?

If you apply to extend your work permit before your current permit expires, you benefit from "maintained status" (formerly implied status). This allows you to continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit until a decision is made on your new application. Leaving Canada while on maintained status does not automatically cancel your application, but re-entry is not guaranteed.

To maintain your legal status, you must submit a complete application before your current status expires. According to the official Government of Canada page on visitor records and conditions, if your status expires after you have applied for restoration but before a decision is made, you must stop working or studying immediately.

Key Facts:

• Maintained status only applies if you submit a complete application before your current status expires.
• If your status has already expired, you may apply for restoration of status within 90 days, but you cannot work until your new work permit is approved.
• It is highly recommended to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

What are the most common reasons for work permit refusals from inside Canada?

Work permit applications are most commonly refused due to incomplete applications, insufficient proof of funds, doubts about the applicant's intent to leave Canada after the permit expires, or failure to prove eligibility for the specific work permit category. Providing a clear, complete, and truthful application is the best defense against a refusal.

The top reasons for refusal include:

• Incomplete Application: Missing signatures, forms, or required documents.
• Invalid Job Offer or LMIA: The provided LMIA number is incorrect or the job offer is not valid.
• Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information, which can lead to a 5-year ban from Canada.
• Failure to Prove Ties to Home Country: The officer is not convinced you will leave Canada when your permit expires.
• Insufficient Financial Resources: You cannot prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family members in Canada.

Key Facts:

• A refusal letter will outline the specific reasons for the decision.
• You can usually re-apply if you can address the reasons for refusal.
• Pro Tip: Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor analyzes your profile against common refusal triggers, giving you a chance to strengthen your application before you submit it.

Can I extend my work permit from inside Canada?

Yes, you can apply to extend your work permit from inside Canada, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements for that permit. You must submit your application for an extension before your current work permit expires to maintain your status and legal ability to work. The process for an extension is very similar to the initial application process.

To extend your work permit, you will need to use the same application form (IMM 5710) and follow the same online application steps. Key requirements include having a valid passport and, if applicable, a new LMIA or proof of continued eligibility for an open work permit.

Key Facts:

• Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
• If you apply late but within the 90-day restoration period, you cannot work until your new permit is approved.
• Processing times for extensions can be found on the IRCC website.

How can tools like a CRS Calculator help with a work permit application?

While a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) calculator is primarily for Express Entry, understanding your potential CRS score can be crucial if your work permit is a stepping stone to permanent residence. A high CRS score can inform your decision to apply for programs like the Canadian Experience Class after gaining work experience in Canada. It helps you plan your long-term immigration strategy.

Using a CRS calculator allows you to:

• See how Canadian work experience boosts your score for permanent residence.
• Understand the impact of language test results on your eligibility.
• Plan for future Express Entry draws by knowing your current and potential scores.
• Pro Tip: Use Evola AI’s free CRS Calculator to see exactly how your Canadian work experience will increase your score for permanent residency programs. For language tests, our CLB Converter instantly translates your IELTS or CELPIP scores into the CLB levels used by IRCC.

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Navigating the process of applying for a work permit from inside Canada can seem complex, but by understanding the eligibility rules, preparing a thorough application, and using the right tools, you can confidently take this important step. Whether you're extending your stay, switching permit types, or aiming for permanent residence, being informed is your greatest advantage.

Ready to start your application with confidence? Let Evola AI guide you. Explore our free tools and AI mentor today!