What to do if you get a new passport

When you activate your work permit, it will not be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. For example, if your passport expires in 8 months, you will only get an 8-month work permit instead of the full 12 or 24 months. Therefore, it’s best to travel to Canada with a passport that has sufficient validity. 

If you got a new passport, here are the options, depending on your specific situation in the application process.

1. If you haven't applied into the IEC pool yet

If you haven’t entered the IEC pool yet, the process is simple: just submit your profile using your new passport.

2. If you applied and received an invitation, but haven't submitted the application yet

  • In the online application where you enter your passport details, enter the new passport and mark it as ‘primary’.
  • In the passport slot only upload the scan of the new passport. 
  • There is no need to upload your old passport, as only the current, valid document is required for processing.

3. If you submitted your application, but you don’t have your POE (approval) yet

  • Submit a scanned copy of your new passport using the Web form.
  • Select ‘International Experience Canada’
  • In the enquiry box, please provide:
    • your old passport number
    • your application ID number, which is provided in your acknowledgement letter.
  • Alternatively and an easier step, you can wait for the POE approval and proceed with the instruction below. 

4. If you already received the POE (approval)

You must apply for a new eTA for the new passport. It will cost $7. 

  1. When you travel to Canada, bring your new valid passport and your old passport (or a photocopy of the old passport).
  2. When you arrive, tell the border services officer that you have a new passport.
  3. The officer will check your documents and issue your work permit correctly.

It’s important to note that your work permit remains valid even if it is linked to the number of your old passport.

If you changed your passport because you got married or divorced, bring:

  • A copy of your marriage certificate; or
  • Proof of divorce.

5. If you already travelled to Canada and activated your work permit

If you activated your work permit but received a shorter validity due to your passport expiring sooner, you can apply to extend your work permit once you have a new passport. However, you can only extend it up to the maximum duration allowed under the agreement with your country. For example if you are from Australia you can extend to the maximum of 2 years. 

You don’t have to pay any fees for this extension. 

All official instructions here under “I got a new passport”

Here is what you have to do:

You must apply on paper to extend the work permit. Do not submit your application online.

You can only extend your work permit while it is still valid and while you are in Canada.

  1. Download and fill out and validate Form IMM 5710 >> here <<
    • If you have issues downloading the IMM Form, please follow one of the steps >> here <<
    • The option to check at the top of the form is “Apply for a work permit for the first time…”
  2. Include a letter of explanation that explains:
    • that you are a participant in the International Experience Canada
    • that you apply for an extension of participation
    • that you don’t have to pay any fees
    • why you apply for an extension 
  3. Send the paper application to this address:

Case Processing Centre Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Work Permit- IEC Station 404
Suite 55 9700 Jasper Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5J 4C3

Send the paper application with tracking service so you know when it was received. 

Do not send the original work permit away.

Only send a copy of the work permit.

You can only extend the work permit to the max. allowed time if you also had the health insurance for the maximum time.

If you didn't have the proper length of health insurance when you activated the work permit you cannot extend the work permit.

An important step that is not made clear in the extension application instructions:

Don’t forget to include a copy of your health insurance policy with your application. It must show that you had coverage from the start (when you activated the work permit) and that it was valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. For example, if your country allows a two-year work permit, you should provide proof of a two-year health insurance policy.

You will have maintained status while the application is processed

Once you have submitted the paper application on time (before your current work permit expires) you will benefit from maintained status (which was formerly known as implied status).

In other words, you can continue working in Canada under the same conditions as your existing work permit while your application is being processed, provided that you remain within Canada during this time.

Furthermore, you are allowed to work up to the maximum duration permitted under the specific agreement between Canada and your home country. For instance, if you are from Australia, you may continue working until you reach the 2-year maximum. 

I want to participate in the IEC again, but I have to renew my passport

If your passport expires during your second planned IEC participation:

Option 1 (best option):

  • Renew your passport before applying, and use the new passport for your application.
  • Using a new passport helps avoid the need to update documents or apply for extensions later.
  • This also ensures that your POE, and your eTA, are correctly linked to your new passport.

Option 2:

  • If you still have some time until you plan to travel to Canada, this is a good option too.
  • Apply using your current (old) passport.
  • Once you receive your approval (POE), renew your passport before you travel to Canada to activate your work permit.
  • If you are flying to Canada, you will need to apply for a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) linked to your new passport, even if you already had one for the old passport. You can apply for a new eTA >> here.
  • At the time of entry into Canada, show both your old passport (or a copy of it) and your new passport to the border officer.

Option 3 (not recommendable):

  • Apply using your current (old) passport.
  • Activate the work permit with the old passport.
  • The border officer will issue a work permit that’s shorter than the maximum time.
  • Once in Canada, apply for an extension of the work permit to get the maximum allowed time as explained above. 

Why is this not recommendable?

  • Applying for an extension means extra paperwork because you must apply on paper to extend the work permit. 
  • You must send the application via snail mail; you cannot apply online. 
  • Some employers may be hesitant to hire if your work permit is too short. This can limit your job options.
  • You need a Canadian address for the new work permit, so if you would like to travel in Canada and won’t have a fixed address, this could be a big hurdle. 

When is this recommendable?

Here are a few situations where this option might be advisable because you need a fast process/approval. In all of those cases, apply with the old passport:

  • The IEC season is about to close.
  • Very few spots are left in your country’s IEC pool.
  • Your work permit is about to expire and you don’t want to stop working for too long while you wait for a new approval.
  • You are close to the maximum age limit for IEC. It means waiting for a new passport could make you ineligible by the time it’s processed.
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