Canada’s Crackdown on Dummy Work Permits Extensions

In May 2025, IRCC introduced tougher rules to address the growing number of dummy work permit extensions. Under these changes, if your first application is refused or returned, any subsequent application filed while on maintained status will also be returned without processing. This means you immediately fall out of legal status, and any work performed during that time is considered unauthorized.

In addition, officers may flag your file for misrepresentation, a serious violation that can lead to refusal of future applications and even a five-year ban from Canada.

There have already been reported cases where IRCC treated dummy applications as if they had never been filed, resulting in workers losing both their status and jobs.

What Is a Dummy Work Permit?

Let’s start with the basics first. A dummy work permit, sometimes called a “placeholder” or “fake” application) is when someone files a work permit application, they know they are not eligible for, just to stay in Canada under maintained status.

It could be a graduate whose Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire, filing an application under obscure categories like C10 (significant benefit) or C11 (entrepreneur/self-employed), even though they don’t qualify.

Their goal isn’t to get approval, it’s to gain a few extra months of legal work while the application is being processed.

On discussion forums, this is often described as a way to “buy time.” But in reality, a dummy work permit extension is one of the fastest ways to hurt your immigration chances.

What Is a Dummy Work Permit Extension?

A dummy work permit extension means applying for an ineligible or incomplete permit when your PGWP is expiring, hoping to “extend” your stay in Canada.

However, it’s important to note that the PGWP is a one-time, non-renewable work permit. The only true “extension” allowed is if your original permit was cut short because of your passport’s expiry.

Anything beyond that is considered a dummy application, and for those who haven’t been following the news recently, IRCC isn’t just watching closely; they’re cracking down on such cases.

Why Dummy Work Permits Are Bad for PR Applications

Many PGWP holders consider dummy applications to “buy time” while waiting for Express Entry or a provincial nomination. But here’s why that strategy backfires:

1. Risk of Misrepresentation
   
   • Submitting applications for categories you don’t qualify for is viewed as misleading.
   • Misrepresentation = five-year ban + permanent stain on your immigration record.
     
2. Loss of Status
   
   • If your dummy extension is refused or returned, you fall out of status immediately.
   • This can erase your 90-day restoration window.
     
3. Unauthorized Work
   
   • Any work done while your application was invalid is considered unauthorized, which hurts PR applications.
     
4. Negative Impact on PR
   
   • Officers can see withdrawn or refused dummy applications in your history.

It raises red flags when assessing your permanent residence application.

The Myth of C10/C11 Dummy Work Permit Extensions

Many PGWP holders mistakenly believe that applying under C10 (Significant Benefit) or C11 (Entrepreneur/Self-Employed) is a clever way to secure a dummy work permit extension. In reality, these categories are designed for very specific applicants, not as a backdoor option for graduates who simply want to stay in Canada.

The C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit is reserved for individuals whose entry provides clear and substantial social, cultural, or economic benefits. Examples include world-class athletes, cultural icons, or executives creating jobs and advancing innovation. Officers carefully assess documentation and credentials, and approvals are rare. For PGWP holders without truly exceptional contributions, a C10 application is almost certain to be refused and may even be flagged as a dummy work permit, leading to misrepresentation findings.

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit is equally restrictive. It is meant for genuine entrepreneurs who will start or buy a business in Canada, backed by significant investment (often $300,000+), a detailed business plan, management experience, and proof of funds to support operations. Applicants must show that their business will bring real economic or cultural benefits to Canada. PGWP holders without capital, ownership, or a viable business strategy are not eligible, and filing under C11 without these elements risks refusal, loss of status, and even a five-year ban for misrepresentation.

In short, C10 and C11 are not shortcuts for PGWP extensions. They are legitimate but highly specialized work permit categories. Misusing them as dummy work permit extension applications only creates immigration risks. For accurate details, see our full guides on the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit and Significant Benefits Work Permit for Entrepreneurs.

Real Options Instead of a Dummy Work Permit Extension

Instead of gambling with your future, consider these legitimate pathways:

1. Start PR Early
   
   • Create an Express Entry profile (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker).
   • Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) once you’ve submitted your PR application.
     
2. Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-based)
   
   • If your employer supports you, apply for a closed work permit through an LMIA.
     
3. LMIA-Exempt Options
   
   • Spousal open work permit (if married/common-law to a skilled worker or student).
   • Francophone mobility, intra-company transfers, or free trade agreements (CUSMA/CPTPP).
     
4. Change to Visitor Status
   
   • If you need more time to plan, switch to visitor status before your PGWP expires (but you can’t work).
     
5. Return to School (Carefully)
   
   • Pursue another program only if it adds genuine value, because that won’t get you a second PGWP.
     
6. Leave and Re-Enter Later
   
   • Sometimes the best option is to go home, improve your profile (language, experience), and come back stronger.
     

If your PGWP is expiring, don’t panic and don’t fall for quick fixes like dummy work permit extensions. Instead, seek advice from a licensed immigration consultant and plan your PR strategy the right way.