Foreign nationals generally must apply for a work permit before coming to Canada. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows certain individuals to apply for a work permit inside Canada. Today we will discuss who is eligible, how to maintain your status, and what steps to follow when applying.

Let’s go over each eligible scenario.

Scenario 1: You Hold A Valid Work Or Study Permit

In order to apply for a work permit inside Canada, the first scenario to consider is to hold a valid work/study permit. 

If you’re already in Canada with a valid study or work permit, you’re allowed to apply for a new work permit from inside the country. The key is that your current permit must still be valid when you apply.

Your permit is only valid until the expiration date shown on the document. So if you want to change jobs, employers, or work conditions, you’ll need to submit a new work permit application before the current one expires.

IRCC suggests applying at least 30 days before your permit expires. If your permit is already expired, you’ll have to apply from outside Canada.

Example: Suppose you’re in Canada on an employer-specific work permit, and your job ends. If you receive another job offer and apply for a new permit 31 days before your existing permit expires, you’re eligible to apply from within Canada because your status is still valid.

Scenario 2: Your Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Or Parent Has A Valid Permit

You may be eligible to apply for a work permit if your spouse, common-law partner, or parent holds a valid study or work permit in Canada, and you meet the general criteria.

Example: Your spouse is pursuing a degree in Canada and has completed their program. Because most study permits remain valid for 90 days after studies end, you still have time to apply for a work permit as long as your spouse’s permit hasn’t expired.

Likewise, if your spouse or parent has a valid Canadian work permit, you can apply for your own work permit while staying in Canada.

Scenario 3: You Qualify For A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

To apply for a work permit inside Canada, you have to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

International students in Canada who meet PGWP requirements can apply for a work permit after graduation. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.

A PGWP is an open work permit—meaning it’s not tied to any one employer or location. But just finishing studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) doesn’t automatically make you eligible.

To apply under this stream, you must:

  • Hold a valid, unexpired study permit
  • Meet all eligibility conditions for a PGWP

PGWP Eligibility Includes:

  • General eligibility standards
  • Program-specific rules
  • Physical presence requirements
  • Certain fields of study may have additional rules

If you don’t meet these PGWP conditions, you’ll need to explore other work permit pathways.

Scenario 4: You, Your Spouse, Or Parents Have A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is issued to individuals who are otherwise inadmissible but have a strong reason to enter or remain in Canada.

TRPs are granted when:

  • There’s a valid reason for the individual to stay in Canada
  • Their presence doesn’t pose a risk to Canadians

Examples may include visiting a critically ill relative or attending urgent business matters.

If you, your spouse, or a parent has a TRP valid for at least six months, you’re eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.

Note: TRPs can be issued for up to three years, but only those valid for six months or more qualify for in-Canada work permit applications.

Scenario 5: You’ve Applied For Permanent Residence And Are Awaiting a Decision

If you’ve submitted a PR application under certain immigration classes and are still waiting for IRCC’s decision, you may be allowed to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Eligible PR Categories:

  • Spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
  • Overseas family class applicants
  • TRP holder class

Example: Suppose you’re working in Canada on a closed work permit, and your Canadian spouse sponsors your inland PR application. Once you receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC, and you live with your spouse, you can apply for an open work permit during the PR processing time.

To qualify, you must:

  • Prove your relationship is genuine
  • Live physically in Canada with your sponsor
  • Have an AOR letter confirming IRCC received your PR application

Scenario 6: You Were Previously Exempt But Now Require A Work Permit

In order to apply for a work permit inside Canada, you can consider this scenario as well. 

Some people are permitted to work in Canada without a work permit. If you’re in that category but now want to switch to a job that requires one, you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada.

Common Permit-Exempt Roles Include:

  • Foreign representatives and their personal staff and family members
  • Military personnel
  • American cross-border maritime law enforcement officers
  • In-flight security officers
  • Those engaged in on-campus employment
  • Performing artists
  • Professional or amateur athletes and their team members
  • News reporters and their media crews
  • Guest speakers, commercial speakers, and seminar leaders
  • Convention or conference organizers
  • Clergy, such as ordained ministers, laypeople, or members of a religious order
  • Judges, referees, and similar officials of amateur events and competitions
  • Professors and researchers examining or evaluating their students’ theses or projects
  • Expert witnesses or investigators
  • Health care students participating in clinical clerkships of short-term practicums
  • Civil aviation inspectors
  • Aviation accident or incident inspectors
  • Crew members working on a means of foreign-owned transportation
  • Certain emergency service providers

Note that business visitors are not eligible under this category. However, if you have maintained status, you can remain in Canada and apply for a new permit while awaiting a decision.

Scenario 7: You Are In Canada As A Professional, Intra-Company Transferee, Trader, Or Investor Under CUSMA

If you’re a citizen of the U.S. or Mexico, you may qualify for a Canadian work permit under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). You can apply from inside Canada if you fall into one of four categories.

Here’s a breakdown:

Category Who is eligible?
Professionals US or Mexican citizens with a job offer (Canada-based) in one of the 63 eligible professions who also have the required education or alternative credentials and requirements.
Intra-company transferees Executives, senior/functional managers, and specialized knowledge employees employed by a multi-national company (continuously for one year in the last three years) seeking to work in a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of that company in Canada.
Traders Executives, supervisors, or employees with essential skills with the intention of engaging in substantial trade of goods or services between their country of citizenship and Canada.
Investors Executives, supervisors, or employees with essential skills who have made or are actively making a substantial investment in a company in Canada of US or Mexican nationality.

To qualify, you must also have a valid job offer and meet all related conditions.

Scenario 8: You’ve Claimed Refugee Protection

If you’ve applied for asylum in Canada and your refugee claim is under review, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit during the waiting period.

To qualify, you need to show that returning to your home country poses a real threat due to:

  • Risk of torture
  • Threats to life
  • Cruel or unusual punishment

You also need to show that this risk stems from:

  • Your race
  • Religion
  • Nationality
  • Political opinion
  • Membership in a particular group

Even if you’re stateless, you may still qualify if you face the same risks in your usual country of residence.

Scenario 9: You’re A Protected Person Or Convention Refugee

Another scenario to consider if you wish to apply for a work permit in Canada is that you are a protected person or convention refugee. 

If the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada recognizes you as a convention refugee or protected person, you’re eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

You may also qualify if you’ve received a positive decision on your Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).

If you meet the other work permit conditions, you can submit an application without leaving the country.

Understanding Maintained Status In Canada

If you’re in Canada on a valid permit—study, work, or visitor—you’re expected to leave when your permit expires. But if you apply for a new permit before your current one runs out, you may be granted maintained status.

Maintained status allows you to stay in Canada under the same terms of your previous permit while IRCC processes your new application.

To be eligible:

  • You must apply before your current status expires
  • You must stay physically in Canada during the processing period

This means:

  • Workers can continue working under current permit conditions
  • Students can keep studying
  • Visitors can stay, but cannot work or study
  • Leaving Canada cancels maintained status

How To Apply For A Work Permit Inside Canada?

Follow these steps to apply for a work permit from within Canada (if you qualify under any scenario above):

Step 1: Read The IRCC Guide

Go through IRCC’s instruction guide that applies to your situation. It will explain what documents you need and how to apply.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Confirm you meet both general work permit requirements and those specific to your scenario.

General requirements include:

  • Intention to leave Canada when your job ends
  • Proof of funds to support yourself and return home
  • No serious criminal or health issues (you must be admissible)

Step 3: Create An IRCC Account And Fill Out Forms

Set up a secure IRCC account online. Then complete the required forms from your personalized document checklist.

Step 4: Collect All Documents

Include both core and supporting documents. Depending on your case, this could be:

  • Passport
  • Proof of job offer
  • Study or work permits
  • TRPs
  • Academic records

Step 5: Pay Required Fees

The current fees are:

  • $155 for the work permit application
  • $100 additional if applying for an open work permit
  • $85 for biometrics, if needed

Step 6: Submit Your Application Online

Submit your application through your IRCC account unless you’re allowed to apply on paper due to a disability or technical limitation.

Step 7: Wait For IRCC’s Decision

Processing times vary, but it’s currently around 233 days. While waiting, ensure your maintained status is valid and avoid leaving the country.

Note: IRCC won’t issue a work permit that’s valid beyond your passport’s expiry. Make sure your passport is up to date before applying.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.