What Happens If Your IMP Work Permit Expires?

Few things create more anxiety for foreign workers in Canada than seeing a work permit expiry date creeping closer. Life gets busy, plans change, and suddenly that date feels uncomfortably close. When you hold a permit under the International Mobility Program, knowing exactly what happens next can make the difference between staying on track and facing serious setbacks.

Understanding your options early gives you control and helps you protect both your job and your future in Canada.

The Day Your Work Permit Expires

Once your IMP work permit reaches its expiry date, your legal right to work in Canada ends right away. There is no grace period. Even working a single extra shift after that date can cause problems later, including issues with future work permits or permanent residence applications.

This is why planning ahead matters so much. The expiry date printed on your permit is firm, and immigration rules apply strictly.

Acting Early Makes All the Difference

The safest and smartest move is to apply for a new permit before your current one expires. When you submit a complete application on time and remain in Canada, you may qualify for what is known as maintained status.

Under maintained status, you can usually keep working under the same conditions while immigration officials review your application. This option protects your income, your job, and your legal status during the waiting period.

Some workers apply to extend the same permit. Others switch to a different work permit category or submit an application linked to permanent residence plans. What matters most is timing.

If the Deadline Slips By

Missing the expiry date does not always mean the end of your time in Canada, but it does narrow your options. You may apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry. During this period, you must stop working completely.

If your restoration application succeeds, you regain legal status and can continue with your plans. If it fails or if you miss the 90-day window, you may need to leave Canada and apply again from outside the country.

The longer you wait, the more complicated the situation becomes.

The Impact on Your Job and Employer

An expired work permit affects not only you but also your employer. Employers cannot legally allow you to work without valid authorization. This can strain relationships and, in some cases, result in job loss even if the employer wants to keep you.

Clear communication and early action help avoid unnecessary disruption for both sides.

Looking Beyond the Expiry Date

Many IMP permit holders use their time in Canada to plan long-term stability. Canadian work experience often supports permanent residence applications. Preparing for that next step early reduces stress and limits last-minute decisions.

Tracking permit dates, understanding eligibility rules, and seeking guidance when needed all help create smoother transitions. A work permit expiry does not have to derail your life in Canada. With careful planning and timely action, most workers can move forward smoothly and keep building toward their goals with confidence.