LMIA-Based Work Permit in Canada: How Long Can You Stay?

How Long Can You Work in Canada on an LMIA-Based Work Permit?

If you’re planning to work in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), you’re probably wondering how long you’re allowed to stay and work here. Many people assume that the validity of their employer’s LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) determines the length of their work authorization—but that’s not quite the case.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect, and how to make the most of your time working in Canada.

Key Highlights

• The LMIA validity period only impacts how long you have to apply for a work permit—not how long you can work in Canada.
• Your actual work permit duration is based on a recommendation from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
• The work permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can sometimes be longer than the recommended duration.
• To extend your stay, your employer must apply for a new LMIA before your current work permit expires.
• As long as you apply for an extension in time, you may be eligible for maintained status, allowing you to keep working while your application is processed.
• LMIA processing times vary by industry and stream, from 8 days to 240 business days.

What’s the Difference Between LMIA Validity and Work Permit Duration?

Here’s where it gets a bit confusing. Your LMIA is the document your employer obtains from ESDC to prove that hiring a foreign worker is necessary because no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job. The validity of the LMIA—now typically up to 6 months—refers to how long it’s valid for submitting a work permit application.

But the actual length of time you’re allowed to work in Canada is determined by the work permit issued by IRCC. This permit is based on ESDC’s recommendation for a suitable work duration, which considers the job role, employer needs, and labour market impact.

Real-Life Example: Applying for an LMIA-Based Work Permit

Let’s walk through a practical example to illustrate how the timelines unfold.

Imagine a Canadian auto manufacturer wants to hire a mechanical engineer from abroad. Here’s what the process might look like:

1. The company applies for an LMIA on July 30, 2025, aiming to hire by December 1, 2025.
2. They receive a positive LMIA on September 19, 2025, with a recommended work duration of one year. The LMIA is valid until March 19, 2026.
3. The selected foreign worker submits their work permit application on September 30, 2025—well within the LMIA’s 6-month validity period.
4. IRCC approves the work permit on December 18, 2025. It’s valid from that date until January 30, 2027—just over a year to allow for travel and settling-in time.

Important: The key takeaway here is that the worker applied for the permit before the LMIA expired, which is what mattered most.

Need to Extend Your Stay? Here’s What to Do

Let’s say the employer and the worker both want to extend the contract beyond January 2027. In that case, the employer must apply for a brand-new LMIA before the worker’s current permit expires—ideally at least 30 days in advance (so by December 31, 2026, in this example).

Once the employer receives a new positive LMIA, the worker can apply to extend or change the conditions of their work permit with IRCC.

If the extension application is submitted before the current permit expires, the worker may receive maintained status. This allows them to continue working under the same conditions—same employer, same location, and same job—while waiting for a decision.

How Do Employers Get an LMIA?

For a foreign worker to apply for a permit under the TFWP, their employer must first secure an LMIA from ESDC. This document verifies that hiring a foreign national is necessary and won’t negatively affect the Canadian labour market.

Steps in the LMIA Application Process

1. Job Advertising: Most employers must advertise the open position in Canada for at least four consecutive weeks to prove that no Canadian or permanent resident is available.
2. Submit LMIA Application: Employers provide job details, wages, working conditions, and recruitment efforts. They’ll also need to pay a processing fee.
3. Receive LMIA Decision: If approved, the employer gets a positive LMIA, which they then share with the prospective foreign worker.

Next Step: Worker Applies for a Permit

Armed with the positive LMIA, the foreign worker can now apply for a work permit from IRCC. The application must include:

• A copy of the LMIA
• A job offer letter and contract
• Proof of qualifications (e.g., education, certifications)
• Processing fee and biometrics

Once approved, the worker receives a closed, employer-specific work permit, meaning they can only work for that employer and in that specific role, unless they apply for a new permit.

What If Your Job Starts After the LMIA Expires?

Good news—your job can start after the LMIA expires, as long as you apply for your work permit before the LMIA’s expiry date. That’s the key part.

When applying for the LMIA, the employer should clearly state the projected start date of the job. ESDC and IRCC will take this into account when determining the work duration and issuing the permit.

How Long Does It Take to Get an LMIA?

Processing times can vary depending on the stream under which the employer applies, the industry, and current application volumes. Here’s a quick snapshot based on June 2025 data:

Keep in mind that these are average times and can change depending on application volumes and the complexity of the role.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how LMIA validity periods, work durations, and work permits interact is essential if you’re planning to work in Canada through the TFWP. While the LMIA sets the stage for your application, it’s your work permit that ultimately defines how long you can stay and work.

If you’re thinking about extending your stay—or just getting started—make sure you and your employer are on top of deadlines, documentation, and requirements.

Looking for more help navigating work permits and LMIA processes? Check out our guides on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or learn more about applying through the Manitoba PNP.

Ready to make your Canadian work journey a reality? Contact our team today for a personalized consultation and expert guidance.