9 Ways to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit from Inside Canada

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit from Within Canada? Here Are 9 Scenarios That May Apply to You

Most foreign nationals looking to work in Canada typically need to apply for a work permit from outside the country. But did you know that in some cases, you can apply from right here in Canada? That’s right—if you meet certain criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may be eligible to submit your work permit application without leaving the country.

Let’s walk through the nine specific situations where this is possible, what “maintained status” means for you, and how to apply properly from within Canada.

Key Highlights

• There are 9 specific scenarios where foreign nationals can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
• Maintained status allows you to stay and work under the same conditions while awaiting a new work permit decision.
• You must meet general eligibility requirements, such as proving your intent to leave after your permit ends and being medically and criminally admissible.
• Most applications must be submitted online through your IRCC account unless exemptions apply.
• Work permits won’t be issued past your passport’s expiry date, so make sure it’s valid.
• Processing times for in-Canada work permit applications are currently around 233 days.

1. You Have a Valid Study or Work Permit

If you’re already in Canada on a valid study or work permit, you may apply for a new work permit—provided your current status hasn’t expired. It’s important to apply at least 30 days before your current permit ends.

Example: You’re on an employer-specific work permit and recently lost your job. You find a new employer and submit a new work permit application 31 days before your permit expires. You’re good to go under this scenario!

2. Your Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Parent Has a Valid Permit

If your spouse, common-law partner, or parent holds a valid study or work permit, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit of your own. The key is that their permit must still be valid, and you must meet the general eligibility requirements.

Example: Your spouse finished a four-year program at a university in Ontario just 10 days ago. Since their study permit remains valid for 90 days after program completion, you still have time to apply.

3. You’re Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you’re in Canada on a valid study permit and recently graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI), you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). These are open work permits, so you can work for virtually any employer in Canada.

You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks and ensure your study permit is still valid when you apply. Not all programs or institutions qualify, so double-check before applying.

4. You or a Family Member Has a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Valid for 6+ Months

Temporary Resident Permits are issued to individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada but have compelling reasons to enter. If you, your spouse, or your parent has a TRP that’s valid for at least six months, you may apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Common justifications for a TRP include urgent business, visiting a critically ill family member, or attending significant events.

5. You’ve Submitted a Permanent Residence Application and Are Waiting for a Decision

You may apply for a work permit if you’ve submitted a permanent residence application under either the spouse/common-law partner in Canada class or the TRP holder class and are waiting on a decision.

Example: You’re a temporary worker living with your Canadian spouse and have submitted an inland sponsorship for permanent residence. As long as you’ve received your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) and live with your sponsor, you can apply for an open work permit while you wait.

6. You’re Currently Permitted to Work Without a Work Permit, But Want to Change Jobs

Some individuals are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit—think clergy members, guest speakers, or performing artists. If you’re in one of these roles and wish to switch to a job that does require a permit, you can apply from within Canada.

This also applies to those maintaining status—meaning they applied for a new permit before their current one expired and can continue to work under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.

7. You’re Working in Canada Under CUSMA (Formerly NAFTA)

Citizens of the U.S. or Mexico working in Canada under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)—as professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, or investors—may apply for a new work permit from inside Canada.

Each category comes with its own set of requirements, such as a qualifying job offer or proof of substantial trade or investment activity.

8. You’ve Made a Claim for Refugee Protection

If you’re in Canada and have claimed refugee protection, you may be able to apply for a work permit. You’ll need to show that returning to your home country puts you at risk of torture, serious harm, or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or group membership.

9. You’re a Convention Refugee or Protected Person

If the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) has officially recognized you as a convention refugee or protected person—or if you received a positive decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment—you can apply for a work permit while in Canada.

Maintained Status: Keeping Your Right to Stay

Maintained status lets you stay in Canada under the same conditions of your original permit while your new application is being processed. But here’s the key—you must apply for a new permit before your current one expires.

If you’re a worker, you can continue working under the same terms. If you’re a student, you can keep studying. But beware: if you leave Canada, you lose your maintained status immediately.

How to Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Canada

Most applications must be submitted online through your IRCC secure account, unless you’re exempt due to a disability or technical issue.

Steps to Apply:

• Read the IRCC instruction guide carefully.
• Confirm you meet both the scenario-specific and general eligibility requirements.
• Prepare required documents, such as proof of funds, police clearance (if requested), biometrics, and medical exam results.
• Complete the forms provided in your personalized document checklist.
• Pay the applicable fees: $155 for the work permit, $100 for open work permit (if applicable), and $85 for biometrics.
• Submit your application and keep a copy of everything for your records.

Important: Your work permit will not be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. So make sure your travel document is valid!

Current processing time: 233 days for in-Canada work permit applications.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

Applying for a work permit from within Canada can be a detailed process, but knowing where you stand is the first step. Whether you’re a student, a spouse of a worker, or applying for PR, there may be a pathway for you.

Contact our team to learn more or explore related articles on how to extend your stay or apply for a PGWP.

Need personalized advice? Schedule a consultation with a licensed immigration professional today!