LMIA Work Permit Expiry: What to Do Next
Are you nearing the date when your LMIA work permit expiry is coming up? If your permit, supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), is about to expire, you need to act. This article will show you the key steps you must follow after an LMIA work permit expiry so that you stay legal and maintain your work status in Canada.
In the next sections, you’ll learn what causes the expiry, how to prepare, and what you should do next. Also, you’ll see how Canada Shaws can help guide your process.
What is an LMIA-Based Work Permit and Why Expiry Matters?
A work permit based on an LMIA means your employer got approval to hire a foreign worker because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could fill that job. The LMIA letter is the starting point. Then you apply for a work permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
However, the LMIA has an expiry date, the date by which you must apply for the work permit after the LMIA is approved. If you miss that date, the LMIA becomes invalid, and you may need a new one.
Also, your work permit itself has an expiry date, the date your legal right to work ends. If you allow your LMIA work permit to expire without taking action, you risk losing your work status.
Key Deadlines to Watch
- Your LMIA letter is valid for up to 6 months from approval, meaning you must apply for your work permit within that timeframe.
- For your existing work permit, IRCC says you should apply for an extension or change at least 30 days before it expires.
- Your work permit expiry date cannot go beyond your passport expiry.
What to Do Before the Expiry Date
- Check your LMIA and work permit dates. Make sure you know when each one ends.
- Ensure your passport’s validity is sufficient. If your passport expires sooner, it may limit your extension chances.
- Talk to your employer. If your job is changing (different duties, pay, or location), you may need a new LMIA and a new permit.
- Plan to apply for an extension or a new permit. You should do this ahead of time. This is where Canada Shaws can help you complete the required steps smoothly.
How to Extend or Change Conditions?
If your permit is nearing expiry, you can apply to extend it or change its conditions. For example, your employer may want you to continue beyond your current job term, or you may want a new employer. IRCC allows this if done in time.
When you apply:
- You must submit your application online or on paper before your current permit ends.
- You must upload supporting documents: job offer letter, LMIA letter, and proof of continued employment.
- You can maintain your work status if you apply in time (known as maintained status) and keep working under your existing permit conditions until the decision.
What Happens if Your Permit Expires?
If you miss the LMIA work permit expiry and do not apply in time, you may lose your status. You would have to stop working and may need to leave Canada or apply for another permit from outside. IRCC’s guidance says: if your permit has already expired, see what your options are for staying.
It becomes harder to regain legal status if you allow an expiry without action, so staying ahead is crucial.
Common Mistakes that Lead to LMIA Work Permit Expiry
- Waiting too long to apply and missing the 30-day mark before expiry.
- Ignoring your passport expiry since this can reduce your permitted work permit term.
- Failing to get a new LMIA when your job role changes.
- Assuming the LMIA validity (6 months) equals the work permit term, these are different.
Read more in our article, Common LMIA Mistakes That Cause Refusals, to avoid these pitfalls.
Optional Next Step: Applying for Permanent Residence
If you aim to stay in Canada long term, you might plan to move from working on an LMIA-based permit to becoming a permanent resident. Learn about “LMIA to PR: Step by Step Guide” to understand how the transition works.
If you start planning early, you can align your work permit expiry timeline with your PR application schedule.
How Can Canada Shaws Help You?
Canada Shaws is an expert in guiding you through:
- Checking your expiry dates accurately.
- Preparing and submitting your extension or new permit application.
- Ensuring your documents match to avoid delays.
If you’d like one-on-one support with an upcoming LMIA work permit expiry, you can schedule a consultation here: Book your consultation.
Conclusion
Dealing with an LMIA work permit expiry doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By checking your LMIA and permit dates, applying for extensions on time, and staying within the rules, you protect your legal status in Canada.
Also, by planning ahead for changes or transitions to permanent residence, you give yourself more control. Lastly, if you need help navigating this process, Canada Shaws is ready to guide you. Don’t wait until the last moment, act now so you keep working and stay compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your LMIA work permit expires, you must stop working immediately. You can apply to restore your status within 90 days, but you cannot work until IRCC approves it.
You should apply at least 30 days before your work permit expires. Applying 2–3 months early is safer to maintain legal work status in Canada.
Yes, if you applied before your permit expired, you get maintained status. It allows you to keep working under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision.
Usually, yes. Your employer must hold a valid positive or neutral LMIA when you apply. Expired or changed job conditions require a new LMIA.
You can, but you must apply for a new employer-specific work permit. You cannot start working for the new employer until the new permit is approved.
