Hi everyone,

I have two questions regarding temporary work permits:

What is the maximum amount of time that a reciprocal employment temporary work permit (that is to say a work permit which did not require HRSDC confirmation - in this case it was issued because the person came to Canada as part of a global youth work program) can be issued (by the CIC) for? I have heard recently that it is a maximum of 18 months, after which as a reciprocal employment permit can not be extended further, and am wondering if this is actually true.

Secondly is it possible for someone who is already living and working in Canada with a reciprocal employment temporary work permit to apply for a standard (aka, HRSDC confirmation required) work permit if their employer wants to keep them on after their reciprocal permit has expired (well technically, apply before it expires to ensure that one could remain employed legally through out the whole process).


Thank-you very much for any thoughts on this matter.

There are different agreements with different nations and therefore different maximum validities. Someone on a work permit issued under an exchange or youth program is eligible to seek a new work permit or change-of-terms as long as they satisfy all of the standard provisions.

Thank-you very much for your reply David, I absolutely appreciate it.