Can You Work With an Expired SIN While Waiting for a Work Permit?

A Social Insurance Number beginning with “9” normally expires on the same date as the immigration document that authorizes work. The expired SIN does not by itself end your right to work. Your immigration status and work authorization are what matter.

When can you keep working?

You may usually continue working after your permit expires when all of these are true:

• IRCC received your application to extend or change the work permit before the old permit expired.
• You stayed in Canada while the application was processed.
• You continue to follow the conditions of the expired permit.
• You have not received a refusal or another decision ending the authorization.

This is commonly called maintained status. If you held an employer-specific permit, you normally remain restricted to the same employer, occupation and location stated on that permit. An open work permit holder may generally continue under the previous open conditions.

What proof can you show an employer?

• Your expired work permit
• IRCC’s letter confirming you can keep working while the application is processed, when available
• Your online application submission confirmation and payment receipt
• A copy of the extension application and date it was submitted
• Your expired SIN record

An employer can keep paying you under the same SIN while you are legally authorized to work. The Government of Canada tells employers that temporary residents on maintained status may continue working even if the SIN is expired.

Can you renew the SIN while waiting?

Usually no. Service Canada generally needs the new immigration document before it can update the expiry date attached to a temporary SIN. Once IRCC approves the new permit, apply to update your SIN record promptly. Your SIN number normally stays the same.

Situations requiring extra caution

• You applied after expiry: restoration applications do not normally let you work while waiting.
• You left Canada: travel can affect whether you may resume work after returning.
• You applied for a different permit: determine exactly which old conditions continue.
• Your application was refused: maintained work authorization normally ends on the refusal date.
• Temporary resident permit application: this is different and does not create maintained status in the same way.

What should you do after approval?

1. Check the new permit for errors and employment conditions.
2. Update the expiry date on your SIN record through Service Canada.
3. Provide the updated confirmation to your employer.
4. Keep copies of the old permit, application proof and new permit.

If your plans include permanent residence, also read our latest Express Entry draw guide. Students should confirm whether their program meets the current rules in our PGWP fields-of-study guide.

Related immigration and job guides

• How to Find Your NOC Code and TEER Level in Canada
• Skilled Trades Jobs in Canada: Best Trades, PR Pathways and Job Search Tips
• Latest Express Entry Draw 2026: CRS Score, Invitations and Categories

Official sources

Review IRCC’s guidance on working while a permit extension is processed, the after-you-apply instructions, and Service Canada’s SIN rules for temporary residents.

This is general information, not legal advice. Immigration status can depend on exact dates, application type, travel and permit conditions.