Maple News reports that many foreign workers in Canada are unaware that they may still be eligible to apply for a work permit extension—even if they have not yet received their new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ), when required.
LMIAs and CAQs are important documents typically required when applying for a Canadian work permit. An LMIA verifies that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive effect on the Canadian labour market. It is submitted by employers participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
On the other hand, the CAQ is specific to the province of Québec and is issued by its provincial government. It confirms the foreign worker or student meets the province’s criteria and is a necessary prerequisite for acquiring a federal work or study permit in Québec. Employers in Québec must secure both an LMIA and CAQ before their employees apply for a work permit.
But what if your work permit is about to expire and your new LMIA or CAQ hasn’t been issued yet? According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can still apply for a work permit extension if your current permit expires within two weeks of your application. This option provides a lifeline for many who are awaiting the processing of employer-submitted documentation.
To proceed with the extension under these circumstances, you must provide proof of a valid, ongoing job offer. Additionally, you must submit evidence that your employer has already applied for the new LMIA and CAQ (if applicable). IRCC accepts various forms of documentation to verify this, including submission confirmations or receipts from the application process.
This flexibility allows foreign workers to maintain their legal status in Canada while awaiting approvals necessary for renewal. It also gives employers a more manageable timeline to submit these essential documents without jeopardizing their employees’ ability to continue working.
IRCC’s approach demonstrates an understanding of real-world delays in processing times for LMIAs and CAQs. While it’s always advisable to plan ahead, this policy offers a critical safeguard that prevents unnecessary disruptions to both foreign workers’ careers and Canadian business operations.
For those impacted, this means you can stay on track with your immigration goals—so long as you act within the permitted time frame and can prove your documentation is in process.