How to extend temporary protection status after it expires?

Everyone who has come to Canada under the temporary protection program faces the question: what to do when your permit expires? In the case of CUAET, this may be a three-year term, and in other categories, other terms may apply. However, the process of extending your status is possible provided you have a clear understanding of the procedures, strictly adhere to the deadlines, and properly prepare the documents.

Extending your status allows you to avoid interrupting your legal stay and retain your right to work, study, or engage in other permitted activities in Canada. To maintain continuity of legal status, you must apply for a change of conditions or extension of your permit in a timely manner. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the steps temporary residents of Canada need to take to extend their status, what you need to know about formal requirements, fees, filling out forms, and expected processing times.

Preparing to apply for an extension

Before you take any action, you need to know exactly what type of temporary status you currently have: is it a tourist visa with the right to work (as in CUAET), is it a work permit under the open permit program, or is it a temporary study permit? The name of the category will determine the set of forms and requirements.

If you are under CUAET, find the expiry date of your permit: it is indicated in document IMM 5707 (or IMM 5710 if you have already applied for an extension). This date is the deadline by which you can apply for an extension; after that, you will no longer be able to apply.

Plan the process in advance: IRCC recommends applying for an extension approximately 90 days before your current status expires. This will give you time to gather your documents, fill out the form, pay the fees, and upload your files to the system.

Online procedure for extending status

In the vast majority of cases, you can only extend your status electronically through the IRCC portal created for temporary residents.

  1. Create or log in to your account: using your GCKey or a leading Canadian bank account, log in to the “MyCIC” system.

  2. Select the type of extension: in the menu, find the option “Extend your stay in Canada” or “Change conditions or extend your stay in Canada” (form IMM 5710).

  3. Upload your current document: the system will ask for a scan of your current permit (visa, work or study permit).

  4. Fill out the form: you will need to answer questions about your name, date of birth, contact information, type of activity in Canada, residential addresses, etc. Be careful — any mistakes may result in rejection.

  5. Pay the fee: the standard fee for renewing a work or study permit is CAD $155, and for a tourist visa — CAD $100. If you need to resubmit your biometrics, add CAD $85.

  6. Upload supporting documents: if necessary, a confirmation letter from your employer, proof of enrollment in an educational institution, confirmation of remaining funds, a copy of your passport, passport-size photos, etc.

  7. Submit your application: before confirming, carefully check the form for errors. By clicking “Submit,” you will receive a confirmation number (Application Number) and a letter with a list of submitted documents.

After submission, the system will send you an automatic confirmation and indicate the expected processing time. During the review, you have the right to remain in Canada, even if your current permit has expired.

Alternative ways to extend

Sometimes, extending “as is” may not be possible. For example, if you have changed your activity — from a tourist to a student, or from temporary protection to a work permit under the terms of another program. In this case, you need to change the category of your permit.

  • From tourist to student: apply for a study permit using form IMM 1294, attaching a letter of acceptance from an educational institution, financial proof, and proof of language proficiency.

  • From visitor to employee: if you have a relevant job offer, apply for a work permit under an open permit, indicating the absence of an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) and attaching confirmation of the job offer.

In these cases, it is important to apply as soon as possible, as visitor status does not normally entitle you to work or study.

Processing of renewal and awaiting a decision

Processing times vary depending on the category and IRCC workload. As of the end of 2025:

  • Renewals of work or study permits are processed in 3-4 months on average;
  • Tourist visa renewals — up to 2 months.

Maintained status: if you have applied for an extension before your current permit expires, you retain the right to work or study under the same conditions until a decision is made. This means that even though your current permit may expire, your status remains legal. The entire process can be tracked through your account: in the “My applications and status” section, you can see the processing stages — “In progress,” “Additional documents required,” “Decision made.” If necessary, IRCC may send you a letter requesting additional documents. Respond quickly so as not to delay the review.

What to do if your application is denied or no decision is made?

If the decision on your renewal application is negative, or if you have not received a response by the deadline, you should take immediate action:

  1. Check your status online and your IRCC letters. You may have received a request for additional documents.
  2. Contact the IRCC contact center via the web form or by phone, providing your case number.
  3. Contact a professional representative — an immigration consultant or lawyer. A refusal or expired status may require an appeal or resubmission — a qualified professional will help you choose the best course of action.

Once the issue has been resolved, you can submit a new application, but losing your status may require you to leave Canada until the new application is decided. Avoid this situation by planning carefully and submitting all documents on time.

Next steps after successful renewal

Once IRCC approves your renewal, you will receive a new document — a visa or an e-permit confirmation letter. Check it carefully to ensure that your details and dates are correct.

You are now eligible to work or study for the new period. Continue to monitor the validity of this document and set a reminder for the next extension three to four months before the expiration date.

By connecting with professional advisors or participating in support programs for refugees and temporary residents, you can get help preparing to move to the next level — for example, applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nomination programs, or the family reunification program.

Conclusion

Extending temporary protected status in Canada is a complex but entirely feasible process, provided you meet the deadlines and are properly prepared. The main steps include determining your current status, creating an IRCC account, completing and submitting the IMM 5710 form (or equivalent) on time, paying the fees and uploading the documents, and carefully tracking the status of your application.

All actions should be planned so that the renewal application is received by IRCC at least three months before the current permit expires. This will allow you to retain the right to legally work, study, and reside in Canada for the duration of the review period, even if your old document has already expired.

Stay active in the process, respond to IRCC requests, seek professional help if necessary, and you will be able to continue your temporary protection without unnecessary obstacles. I wish you success in your Canadian journey and in building a new future in a land that opens its doors in times of crisis.