05/30/2026
📍Your Immigration Confusions Clarified- Day 492📌
▶️Worked After Permit Expired? Act Fast!
📢My Situation:
My friend’s Canadian work permit expired, and they kept working for a few weeks by mistake. They noticed the error within 90 days of expiry. Can they fix this? How serious is it? Will IRCC accept their application?
✳️✅Quick Answer:
Yes, your friend can apply to restore their status within 90 days, but they must stop working immediately and submit a strong application with professional help. Unauthorized work and non-compliance are serious violations, and IRCC may reject weak applications.
Steps to Fix It:
1. Stop Working Immediately:�Working without a valid permit is unauthorized work, a major violation of immigration rules under IRPA section A29(1). Non-compliance can lead to refusal, inadmissibility, or removal. Stop working now to limit further issues.
2. Apply for Restoration of Status:�Within 90 days of permit expiry, apply to restore status as a worker under IRPR section R182. You’ll need:
• Application for a new work permit.
• Check the correct restoration of status fee for work permit on IRCC website and pay accordingly.
• A detailed Letter of Explanation admitting the mistake, explaining why it happened (e.g., oversight), and confirming you stopped working.
• Supporting documents: job offer, LMIA (if required), or proof of eligibility for an LMIA-exempt permit (e.g., PGWP, SOWP).
• Proof of compliance with past permit conditions (e.g., pay stubs, contract).
3. Get Professional Representation:�IRCC takes unauthorized work and non-compliance seriously, often scrutinizing restoration applications. A licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can craft a strong Letter of Explanation and ensure your application meets IRCC standards, improving approval chances.
4. Be Honest and Thorough:�IRCC values transparency. Admit the error, express regret, and provide clear evidence of your friend’s ties to Canada (e.g., ongoing job, residence). A well-prepared case shows good faith and reduces risks.
What to Avoid:
• Don’t Keep Working: Continuing unauthorized work worsens the violation and could lead to enforcement actions like a removal order.
• Don’t Leave Canada: Leaving before restoration may prevent re-applying and complicate future entries.
• Don’t Submit Alone: Without professional guidance, errors in the application could lead to refusal, especially given the severity of unauthorized work.
Pro Tip:
A strong Letter of Explanation is critical. It should admit the mistake, clarify it was unintentional, and show the job was consistent with the expired permit (e.g., same employer or role). Include evidence like pay stubs or a new job offer. A professional can ensure it’s compelling and meets IRCC expectations.
Key Takeaway:
Working after a permit expires is a serious violation, and IRCC treats non-compliance strictly. Your friend can apply for restoration within 90 days, but they must stop working, act quickly, and seek professional representation to build a strong case. With honest disclosure and proper support, approval is possible.
Need Help?
Unauthorized work cases are complex. Connect Overseas Immigration Services can provide expert assistance to draft a robust restoration application and explanation letter:
🌐 www.connectoverseasimmigration.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 +1 (306) 209-5002
Disclaimer: This is general advice, not legal advice. Unauthorized work is a serious issue, and every case is unique. Consult a licensed immigration consultant Connect Overseas Immigration Services for personalized guidance tailored to your situation.