Your Canadian work permit is about to expire. Your employer has already applied for a new LMIA or CAQ, but the decision has not arrived yet.
Should you wait?
Not necessarily.
IRCC allows some workers to submit a work permit extension without LMIA or CAQ approval when their current permit expires very soon. But this option comes with strict conditions, and missing the deadline can put your application at risk.
Can You Extend Your Work Permit Without an LMIA?
In certain situations, yes.
According to current IRCC guidance, you may be able to apply for a work permit extension without an LMIA if your employer has already submitted a complete LMIA application and your current work permit expires in two weeks or less.
This is especially important for workers who are running out of time but are still waiting for their employer’s LMIA decision.
However, simply having an LMIA application in progress is not enough.
You must meet the required conditions and provide evidence that the employer has submitted the application.
What If You Need a CAQ Instead?
Workers in Quebec may have a similar issue involving a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
If you need a new CAQ, IRCC says you may submit your work permit extension before receiving the new CAQ in certain circumstances. You must provide proof that the CAQ request was made and meet the applicable requirements.
So, whether you need an LMIA or CAQ, don’t simply wait for the final approval if your work permit is about to expire.
Check whether you qualify to submit your extension application while the document is still being processed.
The 90-Day Rule You Cannot Ignore
This is where things can go wrong.
If you submit your work permit extension application without the LMIA or CAQ, you must provide the missing document within 90 days of submitting your application.
If you fail to provide it within that period, IRCC says your application may be refused for being incomplete.
Once you receive the LMIA or CAQ, you can submit it through the IRCC web form as instructed.
So don’t treat the initial submission as the end of the process. You still have an important follow-up obligation.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
If you are applying before receiving your LMIA or CAQ, make sure your application clearly demonstrates that the required employer process has already started.
IRCC says applicants should include proof of a valid job offer and proof that the LMIA or CAQ request was made. For an LMIA, this can include the application or confirmation information provided by the employer.
Your exact documents can vary depending on your situation, so review the current IRCC instructions before submitting.
What Happens After You Apply?
Timing matters.
IRCC recommends applying to extend a work permit at least 30 days before it expires. However, the special process for an application without the new LMIA or CAQ applies when the permit expires in two weeks or less and the other requirements are met.
If you submit an eligible extension application before your current permit expires, you may have maintained status and may be authorized to continue working under the same conditions while IRCC processes the application.
For an employer-specific permit, this generally means continuing with the same employer, job and work location while you wait.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Day
A work permit that is expiring soon is not something to ignore.
If your employer is still waiting for an LMIA or CAQ, find out exactly where the application stands, gather your proof, and check whether you meet IRCC’s requirements for applying before the decision arrives.
And remember: immigration rules can change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.
VisaNexa can help workers understand their work permit extension options, document requirements, and next steps when an LMIA or CAQ is still pending.
Your work permit expiry date is not just another date on a document.
If it is approaching, act before the clock runs out.
