For many temporary residents in Canada, the uncertainty around permanent residency options has pushed some to seek shortcuts. Among the most talked-about is the use of “dummy work permits.” These are applications sent to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with little or no chance of approval—filed only to extend someone’s stay in Canada under maintained status.
But while it may appear to be a smart survival tactic, dummy work permits carry serious risks. And the consequences can affect your long-term future in Canada.
What Exactly Is a Dummy Work Permit?
A dummy work permit is essentially a placeholder application. Applicants knowingly submit incomplete or ineligible requests—not because they expect to get approved, but to stay legally in Canada while IRCC processes their application.
This maintained status allows individuals to continue living—and sometimes working in Canada until a decision is made. But if that application isn’t genuine, it could eventually backfire.
Why Are People Filing These Applications?
Several recent trends have made dummy work permits more common:
- Long Processing Times: In-Canada work permit extensions are now taking up to 8 months. This delay gives applicants more time to gain work experience that boosts their Express Entry CRS scores.
- Few Targeted PR Draws: Despite promises of an in-Canada focus, Express Entry and PNP draws have not been consistent for domestic applicants. Many feel stuck.
- Fear of Falling Out of Status: Applicants worry about becoming out of status and losing their legal footing. A dummy work permit might seem like a way to buy time and avoid disruption.
But this short-term gain can lead to long-term consequences.
What Are the Risks of Dummy Work Permit Applications?
The use of dummy applications is already on IRCC’s radar. And with more applicants resorting to this tactic, enforcement could get tougher. Here are some possible consequences:
| Risk | Impact |
| Misrepresentation | Submitting false or incomplete information could result in a five-year ban from Canada. |
| Application Returned as Incomplete | Unlike a refusal, a returned application voids your maintained status. You may unknowingly fall out of status. |
| Unauthorized Work | If your status lapses without notice, any work you continue doing becomes unauthorized—potentially making you inadmissible. |
What’s worse, if IRCC starts screening for dummy submissions early in the process—as internal discussions suggest—they could be rejected or flagged before offering any benefits.
Think Twice Before Submitting a Dummy Work Permit
IRCC policies are still evolving, and no one can predict how aggressively they will crack down on dummy work permit applications. While waiting for better PR options can feel like a race against the clock, sending in an ineligible work permit may do more harm than good. If your goal is to become a permanent resident in Canada, staying on the right side of the law is the best way forward. A dummy work permit may delay the problem, but it won’t solve it—and it could end up jeopardizing your future.
Avoid the risks. Protect your future. Make sure your work permit application is honest, accurate, and valid under the rules of Canadian immigration. Contact ImmigCanada to seek guidance from verified experts and consultants
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