Many foreign workers are unaware that it is possible for most people to apply for an extension of their expiring work permit even if they have yet to receive their new Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) & a new Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) when needed. Well, here’s what to do if an applicant wants to extend an expiring work permit.
What Are LMIAs & CAQs?
Generally speaking, LMIAs & CAQs are both documents used to confirm that foreign workers can work in Canada. They are typically submitted with work permit applications.
An LMIA is an application that Canadian employers in the federal TFWP, i.e., Temporary Foreign Worker Program, must submit to ESDC to hire temporary foreign workers. This document confirms that recruiting a foreign worker will generate positive or neutral effects on the Canadian labor market rather than any negative effect.
Meanwhile, the CAQ is provided by the Government of Quebec to foreign workers who meet provincial admission criteria, thus allowing them to secure their work permit applications in the province of Quebec. CAQs are specific to work applicants in the province of Quebec-based employers looking to hire foreign workers must be secure both CAQs & LMIAs.
What To Do If An Applicant Wants To Extend An Expiring Study Permit?
If an applicant wants to extend an expiring work permit, they need to submit proof of their valid job offer & evidence that they have already made an LMIA request when applying for an extension.
Applicants can prove that they requested a new LMIA and CAQ if required in multiple ways. These methods involve including different supplementary documents or information when applying for a work permit extension.
- Uploading a copy of the LMIA & CAQ application submissions
- Uploading a copy of the receipts confirmation number for your LMIA & CAQ, if applicable
- Indicating the following information within the ‘Details of intended work in Canada’ section of your work permit application – the date the LMIA or CAQ request was sent, the employer’s name, the office it was sent to, & confirmation number for submission
If you are applying for an extension of your Quebec work permit online, you will be asked to upload a copy of your CAQ. In place of your new CAQ, you are permitted to upload your CAQ receipt confirmation number or a copy of the CAQ application itself.
What Happens After An Applicant Obtains Their New LMIA & CAQ?
Within 60 days of when IRCC initially obtains an applicant’s new work permit application, they need to send proof to the responsible immigration department of the new LMIA & CAQ, if applicable.
Failure to send timely proof of LMIA/ CAQ receipt might result in the work permit application being refused.
If you are presently in Canada and your work permit is expiring soon, you might wish to consult with an immigration lawyer in order to guide you through the process of extending your permit, with all necessary proof and documents.