IMM 5710 is the in-Canada work permit extension/change form. Total fee: CAD $255 ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee). Submit before your current permit expires to trigger implied status. Processing: 68–130 days.
IMM 5710 — officially titled "Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker" — is the form you use to renew or change your work permit while already inside Canada. It covers open work permit renewals, employer-specific permit changes, and work permit extensions across most categories.
This guide walks through every section of the form so you know exactly what to enter.
| Your Situation | Proof Required |
|---|---|
| Spousal PR applicant (in-Canada) | AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) letter from IRCC |
| Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) | Graduation letter or transcript from your institution |
| Spouse/partner of skilled worker | Spouse's valid work permit + proof of relationship |
| IEC (International Experience Canada) | Valid IEC authorization letter |
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport. If your name has changed since your passport was issued, enter your current legal name and attach a name change document. Date of birth: use YYYY-MM-DD format. Country of birth and citizenship: use the country as it appears on your passport.
Use your current Canadian address. If you are between addresses (e.g., just moved), use the address where you will receive mail within the next 6 months. Your email address is critical — IRCC sends all correspondence here including requests for additional documents.
Select your current document type (work permit, student permit, visitor record). Enter the exact expiry date from your current document. If you are on implied status (i.e., you already submitted a renewal and are waiting), check "implied status" and enter the original permit's expiry date.
Enter your passport number, country of issue, and expiry date exactly as printed. Critical: Your passport must be valid for the full duration of the work permit you are requesting. If your passport expires in 12 months, IRCC will only issue a permit valid until that date — even if you requested 2 years.
Select "Open work permit" if you are applying as a spousal applicant, PGWP holder, or other open-permit eligible category. Select "Employer-specific" only if your new job requires a specific permit. For most renewals, "Open work permit" is correct. Do not select employer-specific unless you have a confirmed LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer.
For open work permits: select "Open — not restricted to a specific employer." For NOC code, enter your current or most recent occupation code. You can find your NOC code at noc.esdc.gc.ca. If you are between jobs, use your most recent position. This field does not restrict where you can work — it is for statistical purposes on open permit applications.
Request a duration that matches your situation. For spousal PR applicants: request 24 months (spousal PR processing averages 12–24 months). For PGWP: request the full length of your study program, up to 3 years. Do not request "as long as possible" — enter a specific date. IRCC will issue up to your passport expiry or the date requested, whichever comes first.
Answer all questions honestly. "Have you ever been refused a visa?" includes any country, not just Canada. "Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?" — if yes, consult an immigration lawyer before submitting. Misrepresentation results in a 5-year ban from all Canadian immigration applications.
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit application fee | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 |
| Total | $255 |
| Biometrics (if not already on file) | $85 (individual) or $170 (family) |
Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you gave biometrics within the last 10 years for a Canadian application, you do not need to pay again.
| Timeline | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Submission confirmed — implied status activates if permit not yet expired |
| 1–2 weeks | Application number assigned, appears in your IRCC account |
| 4–8 weeks | Biometrics request (if needed) |
| 68–130 days | Decision issued — new permit mailed to your address |
Submitting after your permit expires. Implied status only protects you if your renewal application is submitted while your current permit is still valid. Submitting even one day late means you are out of status. Submit now, not the week before expiry.
Requesting a permit longer than your passport validity. IRCC will not issue a work permit that extends past your passport expiry. Renew your passport first if it is expiring within the period you need.
Wrong address in Section B. IRCC mails the physical work permit to the address you provide. If you move after submitting, update your address immediately in your IRCC account under "Update contact information."
Forgetting the open work permit holder fee. Many applicants pay only the $155 work permit fee and miss the $100 open work permit holder fee. A short payment causes IRCC to return the application without processing it, restarting your timeline.
Step-by-step guides for every stage of the Canadian immigration process.
Browse All GuidesIMM 5710 form instructions sourced from IRCC official guide (IMM 5710E), May 2026. Processing times from ircc.canada.ca processing times tool. Always download the current version of IMM 5710 from canada.ca — older versions may be rejected. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.