IMM 5710 Form Canada: Requirements, Fees, and Application Process

If you’re working in Canada on a temporary permit and your time’s almost up—or you want to switch bosses, roles, or locations—the IMM 5710 is the form that lets you sort it out without leaving the country.

Officially, it’s called the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker.” It’s a straightforward way to keep everything above board and avoid any gaps in your legal status. That’s good news for you, and it helps Canadian businesses that depend on reliable foreign talent.

The form falls under Canada’s immigration rules, specifically the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Everything has to be honest and complete, or you risk penalties. As things stand in late 2025, this is the go-to option for most in-country work permit changes.

Who Can Use This Form and Basic Eligibility

Not everyone qualifies. You must be a temporary resident already in Canada with some form of legal status. Visitors just can’t switch to a work permit from inside the country using this. But if you have a current work or study permit, or fit into special groups like recent grads or refugee claimants, you’re likely in the clear.

Key things officers look for:

• Proof you’ll head out when your authorization ends.
• Enough cash to cover yourself (and family) plus return trips—no relying on public funds unless allowed.
• Clean record; no security risks.
• Good health, with a medical check if your job or background calls for it.
• No ties to shady employers, like those banned for non-compliance.

Your new permit won’t go beyond your passport’s expiry, so renew that first if needed. Work here means any paid gig or unpaid role that could take a job from a Canadian.

Some jobs need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show no local can fill the spot. Others are exempt but still require an employer to register and pay a compliance fee.

Also Read: Canada Work Permit Process November 2025: Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Workers

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying online is the standard way—it’s quicker and lets you track progress. Paper is only for those who truly can’t go digital, like due to disabilities.

Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Check if you qualify – Read the official guide to avoid wasted effort.
2. Gather paperwork – Use the document checklist that pops up in your online account.
3. Set up an account – Log in via GCKey or a bank partner on the IRCC site.
4. Fill the form – Answer every question; save as you go.
5. Upload docs – Scans only, clear and in order.
6. Pay up – Fees hit your card right away.
7. Submit and wait – Get a confirmation, then handle biometrics or medicals if asked.

If biometrics are due (most are, every 10 years), pay the fee first, then book at a service point after getting your letter. Do medicals upfront with an approved doctor to speed things along—especially if your job involves kids, health care, or farming.

For Quebec jobs, grab a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the province first. Family can apply together, but each gets their own form and fees.

Lost your status? Fix it within 90 days by explaining what happened and paying extra. But some, like certain permit holders, can’t restore this way.

Temporary workers in Canada often face tight deadlines, so understanding the IMM 5710 inside out can make a big difference. This form handles extensions, condition changes, or even initial permits for those who qualify without leaving the country.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of August 2025 shows processing for in-Canada work permit changes averages 227 days, but that fluctuates with volume.

Eligibility starts with being inside Canada legally as a temporary resident. You can’t use it if you’re just visiting and want to start working—that requires applying from outside. Special cases for initial applications include:

• Current permit holders and their families.
• Post-graduation work permit seekers (apply within 90 days of final marks).
• Those who worked without a permit but now need one for extra roles.
• Refugee claimants or protected persons.
• Certain trade agreement professionals under CUSMA.

Officers must be convinced of your temporary intent. That means ties back home, financial proof, and no plans to overstay. Health checks apply if you’ve lived in certain countries recently or your job poses risks. A public policy until October 2029 waives repeat medicals for low-risk folks with a recent exam.

Employers play a role too. They face checks on past behavior—wages, conditions, laws. Fail, and they’re sidelined for two years. LMIA-exempt jobs need an offer number from the employer portal, plus that $230 fee (with exemptions).

Documents vary but always include:

• Passport copies with entry stamps.
• Job offer and LMIA (if needed).
• Proof you meet job quals, like degrees or certificates.
• CAQ for Quebec.
• Extra for niches: insurance for IEC, abuse evidence for vulnerable workers.

Use a rep? Fill their form. Need accessible formats? Contact support.

Fees are firm—pay wrong, and your app bounces back. No refunds post-processing start, except specifics like open permit extras.

Fee Category	Amount in CAD
Work permit per person (includes extensions)	$155
Group of 3+ artists	$465 max
Open work permit holder	$100
Restore status + permit	$355 ($200 + $155)
Biometrics per person	$85
Family biometrics (2+)	$170 max
Artist group biometrics	$255 max
Employer compliance (LMIA-exempt)	$230

Refugees and protected persons skip permit fees. Overpay? Auto-refund.

Online steps in detail:

1. Review eligibility basics.
2. Prep via checklist.
3. Account setup.
4. Form completion—IMM 5710 plus any extras.
5. Uploads.
6. Payment.
7. Submit.
8. Biometrics/medical follow-up.

Vulnerable workers escaping abuse apply free online with proof. Incomplete? Rejected outright, killing any implied status.

Post-submission: Acknowledgment comes quick. Approval means a mailed permit. Apply early for implied status—work old terms till decided. Refusal explains why; reapply or appeal sparingly.

Quebec adds CAQ layer. Venezuelans note passport quirks. Live-in caregivers need old-style LMIAs if pre-2014.

Track times via the IRCC tool—it’s updated often. Download the form here if needed, though online generates it.

Staying on top of rules keeps opportunities open. Temporary work boosts Canada’s economy, but compliance is key. Always cross-check official pages for shifts.

FAQs