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 Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a new Certificat d'Acceptation du Quebec/Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), when required.
What are LMIAs and CAQs?
Generally speaking, LMIAs and 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 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must submit to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire temporary foreign workers. This document confirms that hiring a foreign worker will generate positive or neutral effects on the Canadian labour market, rather than any negative impact.
The CAQ, meanwhile, is provided by the Government of Quebec to foreign workers (as well as international students) who “meet [provincial] admission criteria” thus allowing them to “secure [their] work or study permit.” CAQs are specific to work permit applicants in the province of Quebec. It is thus important to note that Quebec-based employers looking to hire foreign workers must secure both CAQs and LMIAs.
How can I extend my work permit without my new LMIA and CAQ, if applicable?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) notes that you can apply to extend your work permit if your current permit is set to expire within two weeks of the date you apply for an extension.
However, IRCC also notes that, if you fall into this category, you must still ensure that you submit proof of your valid job offer and proof that you already made an LMIA (and CAQ*, when required) request when applying for the extension.
There are multiple ways for you to prove you requested your new LMIA and CAQ, if required. These methods involve including different supplementary documents or information when applying for your work permit extension.
