I arrived in Canada in July 2023 with my Startup Visa Work permit. The Work permit validity was for one year and its going to expire in July 2024. Considering the 100+ days it takes to process Work permit application, I decided to apply early for my Work Permit Extension.
There was an announcement in June 2023 that SUV applicants will now be able to get a 3-year open Work Permit. I was hoping there will be more information on this by now, but there isn’t. We don’t know if that policy is in effect now or still under consideration. I will only find out when my Work permit arrives in a 2-3 months and whether it will be a 1-year closed Work permit or a 3 year Open Work permit.
Link to Open Work Permit announcement https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/06/minister-fraser-launches-canadas-first-ever-tech-talent-strategy-at-collision-2023.html
Since I am renewing my Work permit from within Canada, you can expect to see a similar document requirement only if you are also in Canada. If you are applying from outside, you might see a different document list.
Here is the list of required documents I was asked to upload to my Work Permit application.
- Form IMM 5710 – Click to Download Form
- Passport
- Digital Photo
- Proof that you meet requirements of the job being offered
Optional Documents
- Offer of Employment
- Form IMM 5257
- Client Information
Form 5710 is pretty simple, this is the same form you fill when you first apply for your Work permit. For Passport, make sure you add all pages with stamps or visas, specially your last entry stamp into Canada.
For proof that you meet job requirements, I added a letter highlighting my experience and how it equips me to run a Startup in Canada. Added to it were also my last 2 relevant experience letters. This is the same format I used in my original Work Permit application, and it worked.
Offer of Employment, this will be an offer of employment letter that your company issues to you or other Founders. Have details of job offer and Employment Number from your Employer Portal. Also, don’t forget to attach payment receipt from Employment Portal. If you didn’t attach this, IRCC will most likely come back and ask for it.
Client Information
In client information I added all other documents which I thought will be useful for IRCC. This is the complete list of my documents.
- Business Progress
- Progress Letter from Incubator
- Current Work Permit
- Business Bank Statement
- Personal Funds Statement
- Medical Record
- IELTS
- Resume
- Education
- Police Certificate – Home Country
- Police Certificate – Canada
- Marriage Certificate
When you apply for your Work Permit, you are automatically issued an Extension of 2 months on your Work Permit. General guideline is to apply at least 30 days before, but since processing times are at 97 days, so I applied a few months earlier.
You can do it yourself or go through a consultant. Immigration consultant fee is around $2500-$5000 for Work Permit Ext Application. Let me know if you are also applying for your Work Permit Ext and you have any questions or if you want to connect with a consultant.