Work Permit Extension Refused — Recovery Options
Work permit extension refusal stops your work authorization immediately. Time-critical recovery. Restoration available within 90 days. BOWP if PR is in process. Alternative work-permit categories if available. This page maps the urgent recovery sequence.
Standard recovery sequence
- Receive refusal — note the date carefully
- Stop working immediately (no work authorization)
- Order GCMS notes via ATIP (free, 30-60 days)
- Decide path: restoration / BOWP if PR in process / new LMIA / leave Canada
The 90-day restoration window
Within 90 days of refusal, you can apply for restoration of status — a new work permit application + restoration fee (CAD 239) + payment of any back fees. During restoration, you cannot work. Restoration applications take 60-120 days typical processing.
If you have a PR application in process — BOWP
If you have a PR application in process under Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Worker, AIP, or RCIP, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) immediately. BOWP under code C20 is an open work permit (any employer) issued for up to 24 months while PR processes. Strong recovery path.
Common refusal grounds + fixes
Employer-side LMIA issues
Original LMIA expired, employer is in compliance review, or LMIA cap reached. Fix: Employer obtains new LMIA (3-6 months) + you reapply. Coordinate with employer immediately.
Wage / role change
Your wage / role changed and no longer matches the LMIA / work permit conditions. Fix: Adjust wage or role to match original work permit terms; or have employer get new LMIA reflecting actual current role.
Compliance with permit conditions
IRCC concluded you weren't compliant with original work permit conditions (working for wrong employer, wrong NOC, unauthorized side work). Fix: Address compliance issue; reapply with documentation of correct current employment.
Genuine-temporary-purpose changed
Personal circumstances (marriage to Canadian, family in Canada) shifted IRCC's assessment of your continuing temporary intent. Fix: Comprehensive explanation + consider switching to PR pathway (inland sponsorship + OWP if married to Canadian).
Alternative LMIA-exempt categories
If LMIA-based extension fails, consider switching to LMIA-exempt categories you may now qualify for:
- BOWP (C20) if PR is in process
- SOWP (C41) if your spouse holds a qualifying permit
- ICT (C12) if your employer is a multinational + you qualify for transfer
- GTS for highly skilled tech roles at established Canadian tech employers
- Mobilité Francophone for French-speaking workers in TEER 0/1/2/3 outside Quebec
FAQ
What happens to my work authorization if extension is refused?
Your work authorization ends with the refusal decision. You cannot legally work in Canada until you have new work authorization. Restoration of status is possible within 90 days, but you cannot work during restoration processing.
Can I get a BOWP after my work permit extension is refused?
BOWP requires a PR application in process under specific programs (Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Worker, AIP, RCIP, Agri-Food Pilot). If you have one of these in process, BOWP is your best path — file immediately.
Common reasons for work permit extension refusal?
Most common: employer-side issues (LMIA expired, employer compliance problems, prior LMIA cap reached). Also: workers' inability to demonstrate continued genuine employment, language inadequacies for the role, or change in personal circumstances affecting genuine-temporary-purpose.
Can my employer help me recover?
Yes — if the refusal was on employer-side grounds, your employer can address the issue + you can reapply with a new LMIA or under a different LMIA-exempt category. Coordinate with your employer immediately upon refusal.
Work permit extension refused — book within days
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) handles work permit extensions + restoration + BOWP applications. Time-critical files prioritized. Free 15-min review.
Free Work Permit Recovery Review →Related: Work permit refused · BOWP · Restoration of status · SOWP