Work permit
Work permit applications from inside Canada
Depending on your current status and work permit category, you may be eligible to apply from within Canada without leaving the country.
Who can apply from inside Canada?
Not all work permit applications can be submitted from inside Canada. Eligibility depends on your current status, compliance with immigration conditions, and the type of work permit requested.
Applying from within Canada does not create a new category of work permit. It simply refers to where the application is submitted from and whether in-Canada processing is permitted under immigration regulations.
Applicants with valid status
Individuals holding valid study or work status may be eligible to apply for extensions, renewals, or changes depending on the work permit category.
PGWP and bridging options
Some applicants may qualify through a Post-Graduation Work Permit or a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while a permanent residence application is in process.
LMIA-exempt categories
Certain LMIA-exempt work permits allow in-Canada applications based on program rules and individual circumstances.
Maintained (implied) status
Applicants who submit a work permit application before their current status expires may be eligible to remain in Canada under maintained status while awaiting a decision.
- • Maintained status depends on timely and complete submission
- • Work authorization during this period varies by permit type
- • Leaving Canada may affect eligibility to continue working
Common issues with in-Canada applications
- • Applying under a category that does not allow in-Canada submission
- • Loss of status before submitting the application
- • Assuming all extensions allow continued work
- • Leaving Canada while an in-Canada application is in progress
Unsure if you can apply from inside Canada?
We confirm eligibility, timing, and the correct category before you apply.