Can I keep working while my work permit extension is processed?
If you applied in time, IRCC lets you keep working on the same conditions while it decides (this is called maintained status). A few questions show whether that covers you.
Every quote below was checked word for word on IRCC’s own pages on October 25, 2026. Each answer names its source page and that page’s date.
What IRCC says, situation by situation
Yes
Yes, on the same conditions as your current permit
In IRCC’s words:
“authorization to work without a permit until we make a decision on your application, as long as you stay in Canada”
“You must keep working under the same conditions of your current work permit.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
Yes
Yes, on the conditions of your current open permit
In IRCC’s words:
“authorization to work without a permit until we make a decision on your application, as long as you stay in Canada”
“If you’re an open work permit holder, you can usually change employers, jobs or locations, unless you have specific conditions listed on your work permit.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
Yes
Yes, but only for the employer on your current permit
In IRCC’s words:
“You must keep working for the employer named on your original work permit until we make a decision on your application.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
No, unless you stay in Canada.
Only while you stay in Canada
In IRCC’s words:
“authorization to work without a permit until we make a decision on your application, as long as you stay in Canada”
Leaving Canada while the application is processed changes this: IRCC explains what happens when you come back on its travel page.
IRCC: if you want to travel outside Canada
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
No
No: applying after it expired does not keep you working
In IRCC’s words:
“You’re not eligible to receive a letter (WP-EXT except PGWP) that proves you’re authorized to work if you”
“applied for an extension to your work permit after your work permit expired”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 21, 2026
No
No, not while the study permit is processed
In IRCC’s words:
“You cannot continue to work while waiting for a decision on your study permit application.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
No
No, not while the visitor application is processed
In IRCC’s words:
“You cannot continue to work while waiting for a decision on your visitor application.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
No
No: a TRP application does not keep your status
In IRCC’s words:
“Temporary resident permit (TRP) applicants can’t maintain temporary resident status while their application is being processed .”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
Yes, if you apply before your permit expires.
It depends on applying before your permit expires
In IRCC’s words:
“If you apply to renew or change the conditions of your work permit before it expires, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application.”
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
No
This check is for people in Canada
Source: IRCC, page dated July 17, 2026
What would change the answer
- Applying before or after your permit's expiry date.
- Leaving Canada while IRCC processes your application.
- Asking for a new employer or job, or changing the type of permit.
What you might not have asked yet
Sources
- IRCC › work-canada/extend/expired-permit · page dated July 17, 2026
- IRCC › work-canada/extend/after-apply · page dated August 21, 2026
Other answers
- Am I eligible for an Express Entry program?
- As a caregiver, can I change jobs, move, or apply for PR?
- As an asylum claimant, can I get a work or study permit?
- Can a positive LMIA be changed?
- Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada (or for my child)?
- Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
- Can I apply for a work permit when I arrive at the border?
- Can I change employers on my work permit?
- Can I change the sex or gender identifier on my IRCC documents?
- Can I come to Canada as a business visitor, without a work permit?
- Can I come to Canada with a criminal record?
- Can I get a bridging open work permit?
- Can I get a post-graduation work permit, and can I work while I wait?
- Can I get an immigration loan, and how do I repay it?
- Can I get two-week work permit processing?
- Can I immigrate as a self-employed person or start-up founder?
- Can I include or sponsor my child, and up to what age?
- Can I keep my permanent resident status, and travel without a PR card?
- Can I leave Canada and come back on my permit or status?
- Can I sponsor a refugee?
- Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents?
- Can I stay in Canada as a visitor, and for longer than I was given?
- Can I take a short course in Canada without a study permit?
- Can I take free government-funded language classes?
- Can I take part in International Experience Canada (again)?
- Can I work while I study in Canada?
- Can my family come with me while I work or study in Canada?
- Can my spouse or partner work in Canada?
- Could a health condition make me inadmissible to Canada (excessive demand)?
- Do I need a language test, and which one counts?
- Do I need a representative, and who may help me?
- Do I need a visa or an eTA to come to Canada?
- Do I need an immigration medical exam?
- Do I need police certificates?
- Do I need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo), or give them again?
- Does my credential assessment (ECA) let me work in my profession?
- Does the employer have to invite Job Match candidates?
- Does the low-wage cap apply to this employer?
- Does this LMIA job ad meet ESDC's advertising rules?
- My application was refused: can I still do something about it?
- My employer is treating me unfairly: can I get help and keep my status?
- Will I lose my other citizenship if I become Canadian?
Written by AHI Life from IRCC’s own pages; the quotes are IRCC’s words, re-read on their pages every day. General information, not legal advice, and not yet reviewed by a licensed consultant (RCIC). Only a licensed representative may charge you for immigration advice.