For many foreign workers in Canada, securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permit is a crucial step in their journey towards employment in the country. However, work permits have expiration dates and it’s essential to be aware of the process and requirements for renewing an LMIA work permit. This article will guide you through the process of extending your work permit under the LMIA category, ensuring a smooth transition to continue your employment in Canada.
What are LMIA Work Permits?
Before delving into the renewal or extension process, it’s crucial to understand the basics of LMIA work permits. An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. LMIA work permits are employer-specific which means they allow foreign workers to work only for the employer listed on the LMIA application.
These work permits are typically issued for a specified duration, ranging from a few months to a few years. It also depends on the specific job offer and the labor market needs. As the expiry date approaches, foreign workers must initiate the LMIA work permit extension process to maintain their legal status and continue working in Canada. At JET IMMIGRATION, we assist employers hire foreign workers to Canada with LMIA.
Initiating the LMIA Work Permit Extention
The extension process for an LMIA work permit begins well before the current work permit’s expiration date. Foreign workers, together with their Canadian employer, need to initiate the extension process at least 30 days before the permit’s expiry date to allow sufficient processing time. While waiting for the new work permit, they can continue working under the conditions of their existing permit and maintain their authorized status. However, if they have applied for a new permit, the new work cannot begin until the new permit is issued.
The Canadian employer must reapply for a new LMIA through the ESDC. This involves demonstrating that the job position remains genuine and that the terms and conditions of employment have not changed significantly. It should also demonstrate that the employer has made efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.
Meeting the Requirements for LMIA Work Permit Extention
To successfully renew or extend an LMIA work permit, both the Canadian employer and the foreign worker must meet certain requirements:
Job Offer Remains Valid: The Canadian employer must ensure that the job offer presented in the LMIA application remains valid and that the terms and conditions of employment have not changed significantly since the initial application.
Compliance with LMIA Conditions: The employer must continue to adhere to the conditions set out in the original LMIA approval, including the wages, working conditions, and job responsibilities offered to the foreign worker.
Efforts to Hire Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents: The employer must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the job position but were unable to find suitable candidates.
Valid Employment Contract: The foreign worker must have a valid employment contract with the Canadian employer. It should cover the intended duration of the renewed work permit.
Applying for the LMIA Work Permit Extension
Once the employer has obtained a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for LMIA work permit extension. The application can be submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
The work permit extension application requires providing updated information such as the new LMIA number and the employer’s contact information. Additionally, the foreign worker may need to undergo a medical examination or provide updated documents, depending on their specific situation.
Note: – A work permit allows you to work in Canada, but alone does not permit you to travel to Canada. To come to Canada, you will need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), in addition to a valid passport. If your TRV has expired, you should include its renewal in the work permit application.
The Processing Time
The processing time for LMIA work permit extensions can vary depending on the workload of the immigration authorities. It’s essential to apply well in advance to ensure continuity of employment without any gaps.
Upon completing the processing of the renewal application, the IRCC will make a decision regarding the extension of the work permit. If approved, the foreign worker will receive a new work permit with an updated expiration date. It will allow them to continue working for the specified employer.
In some cases, the renewal application may be refused due to various reasons, such as failure to meet eligibility criteria or changes in the employer’s circumstances. In such situations, the foreign worker may need to explore alternative options such as applying for a different work permit category or seeking advice from licensed immigration consultants to address any issues.
Apply for LMIA Work Permit Extention with the Help of JET IMMIGRATION
Renewing an LMIA work permit is a crucial step for foreign workers in Canada who wish to continue their employment and contribute to the country’s labor market. By understanding the renewal or extension process and meeting the necessary requirements, both the Canadian employer and the foreign worker can ensure a seamless transition to an extended work permit.
JET IMMIGRATION can be your reliable partner in extending your LMIA work permit hassle-free. With our expert guidance and personalized approach, we’ll navigate the complexities of the application process for you. Don’t let your work permit expire, take action now and contact Jet Immigration to help you secure a smooth and successful extension.
