Help CenterIt's common for camps to ask you if you wish to extend your camp contract because they believe you've done an amazing job during the summer! However, in most cases your current work permit will expire and not cover you for your extension period.
This is a support guide for those extending to continue working at the same camp only. Please do not follow these instructions if are looking to change your status to a visitor, for the visitor process read our 'Extend Your Stay as a Visitor' article.
Very Important: You must complete your online extension application before your current work permit expires. If not, you will lose legal status to work in Canada and must stop working immediately - you cannot submit an application after the expire date has surpassed.
How do I begin my work permit extension application?
Your camp will enroll you in our Camp Canada portal. Once enrolled, you’ll receive an email invitation with instructions to begin your online extension application process with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How long does the online application process take with the IRCC?
It can take time to complete and submit your application, you will be required to upload, download and complete the necessay forms/documents to your IRCC account.
In past time, the IRCC website can be glitchy causing difficulty to login for hours (even days). We recommend at least 3 hours and to complete it days in advance before your current work permit expires.
It's important to complete the application:
- On a computer (as Adobe Reader 10 is required and it is not compatible with mobile phone/ipads)
When do I need to complete my online extension application?
You must complete this before your current work permit expires, otherwise you will not be able to apply and you will lose status as a worker in Canada. If you miss the deadline, please contact our team immediately. We recommend do this as days before it's due to expire.
Will I have to pay any fees?
There may be a $155 work permit fee. However, this is only applicable if you do not have a "Fee Exemption" document in your Camp Canada documents.
Note: the majority of online extension are fee-exempt.
Can I continue using the same SIN number after applying for an extension?
Yes, after you apply online for your work permit extension you will be on "maintained status"* whilst you wait for a decision on your online application.
* Maintained status (formerly known as "implied status") allows individuals to stay in Canada and continue working under the same conditions as their original work permit while their application is being processed by IRCC.
How long will it take the IRCC to make a decision on my application?
It can take several weeks to months for a decision to be made, but you will be on "maintained status" in the meantime. It is possible that you may not receive a decision on your application until after you have already completed your employment with camp and have returned home.
I'm having trouble opening the PDF forms on the IRCC application.
If you're having trouble, please see our technical support article.