How to request faster processing of your work permit extension if you need to travel urgently

If we’re still processing your work permit extension application, and you need to travel outside Canada urgently, you may be able to request urgent processing so you can continue to work in Canada when you return.

If you submit an incomplete request (for example, you’re missing documents), your application won’t be processed urgently.

On this page

• Who can request urgent processing
• Prepare your documents
• How to request urgent processing
• After you request urgent processing

Who can request urgent processing

You can request urgent processing if you meet all the criteria listed below:

• You applied for a work permit from within Canada before your initial work permit expired.
• You’re currently authorized to work in Canada without a work permit while we process your application.
• You must be travelling for 1 of these reasons:
  • business travel that cannot be delayed
  • a death in the family
  • a serious illness in the family

Prepare your documents

Prepare clear scans of all required documents listed below. If you don’t provide all the required documents, your request won’t be processed urgently.

All documents must be in either English or French. If they’re in another language, you must provide a certified translation.

Required documents

• Proof of urgency (1 or more of the following)
  • letter from your employer explaining why the travel is urgent and the impact on jobs or the success of the business
  • death certificate
  • evidence of serious illness (for example, a doctor’s note)
• Proof of travel due to the emergency
  • copy of your plane, bus, train or boat ticket, OR
  • proof of payment and the itinerary (if you don’t have your ticket yet)

How to request urgent processing

Request urgent processing using our IRCC web form.

1. Select, Update your application (for example, submit documents).
2. Select, Add a document to your application.
3. In the “Tell us about your request” section:
   • When asked, Did we ask you to add the document(s) to your application?, select, No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.
   • In the textbox, copy and paste the text below and complete the details for your specific situation:
     
     Urgent work permit application in Canada – [Travel] or [Death/Serious illness in the family]
     
     
     • Briefly explain why you need urgent processing.
     • Include your travel date.
     • State whether or not you can wait 10 business days.
     • Keep your explanations brief and factual. Ensure names and dates match your documents.
4. Upload your documents.
   • Under “Upload your document(s)”, attach the documents you prepared.

Submit an IRCC web form

If you need to make changes to your request

Use the IRCC web form to update your submitted request. If your situation has changed (for example, if your travel date changes), submit a web form with new supporting documents.

Unless your situation changes, you shouldn’t submit multiple web forms for the same request, or there may be delays.

After you request urgent processing

We aim to mail the document to you before your travel date. If that isn’t possible, we aim to have the approval in our system, so border services officers can see it before your return date.

Urgent processing is not guaranteed.