For foreign nationals looking to work in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), understanding how long they can stay and work on an LMIA-based work permit is crucial. Contrary to popular belief, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) validity doesn’t determine the length of your work period. Instead, the duration of your LMIA-based work permit is based on multiple factors assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about LMIA work permit durations, validity periods, extension options, and how ICC Immigration can help you secure your future in Canada.
🔍 What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document that Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign worker through the TFWP. It confirms that hiring a foreign national will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.
LMIA Application Steps:
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Employer applies to ESDC, including recruitment efforts, wages, and job conditions.
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Employer pays the LMIA processing fee.
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If approved, ESDC issues a positive LMIA, which the foreign worker uses to apply for a work permit from IRCC.
⏱️ Understanding LMIA Validity and Work Permit Duration
1. LMIA Validity Period
As of May 1, 2024, all positive LMIAs are valid for 6 months. This means the foreign worker must apply for a work permit within this 6-month window. It does not mean they can only work for 6 months.
2. Work Duration Recommendation
When issuing the LMIA, ESDC provides a “work duration” recommendation. This is the period for which the job is expected to last, and it helps IRCC determine the work permit length.
3. Work Permit Validity
IRCC issues the actual work permit based on the LMIA’s recommended duration, the employment contract, and the specifics of the application. In many cases, work permits are granted for over a year, sometimes with slight extensions to account for travel and setup time.
📅 Real-Life Example: LMIA Work Permit Timeline
Let’s say a Canadian car manufacturer applies for an LMIA to hire a mechanical engineer:
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LMIA application date: July 30, 2025
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LMIA issued: September 19, 2025 (valid until March 19, 2026)
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Recommended work duration: 1 year
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Work permit application submitted: September 30, 2025
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Work permit approved: December 18, 2025
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Permit valid until: January 30, 2027
The foreign worker gets more than a year on the work permit, despite the LMIA’s 6-month validity period.
🔁 Extending Your Work Permit in Canada
If you want to continue working in Canada after your LMIA-based work permit expires, your employer must:
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Apply for a new LMIA.
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Once approved, you (the worker) can apply to extend your work permit through IRCC.
💡 Tip: Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. If you do this, you’ll be under maintained status and can keep working under the same conditions while your new application is processed.
🚫 Can You Switch Employers on a TFWP Work Permit?
No. LMIA-based permits are employer-specific and job-specific. You cannot change jobs or employers without applying for a new work permit supported by a new LMIA.
⏳ LMIA Processing Times (As of June 2025)
| Stream | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | 9 business days |
| Agricultural Stream | 14 business days |
| High-Wage Stream | 41 business days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 45 business days |
| Permanent Resident Stream | 240 business days |
Timelines vary based on job type, region, and sector. Planning early is essential.
✅ How ICC Immigration Can Help You Succeed in Canada
ICC Immigration specializes in helping foreign workers and employers navigate the LMIA and TFWP process with confidence. Our team of licensed immigration consultants ensures that every document is accurate, complete, and compliant with IRCC regulations.
We offer:
✔️ LMIA-Based Work Permits
From preparing the job offer to guiding the work permit application, we handle it all.
✔️ Permanent Residency Pathways
Explore options like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and more—let us help you transition from temporary worker to Permanent Resident (PR).
✔️ Work & Study Permits
If a temporary permit suits your goals better, we help with both study and open/closed work permits.
✔️ Family Sponsorship
We help bring your loved ones to Canada through family sponsorship programs, making reunification easy.
✔️ Professional Legal Guidance
Don’t take risks with your future. Avoid asylum claims and choose a legal, structured pathway to success in Canada.
Instead of relying on uncertainty, trust a firm that offers clarity, stability, and results. Whether you’re already in Canada or just planning your move, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.