{"id":2726,"date":"2026-08-31T00:06:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T06:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imperialimmigration.ca\/blog\/?p=2726"},"modified":"2026-08-31T00:06:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T06:06:07","slug":"canada-extends-tfwp-work-permit-grace-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imperialimmigration.ca\/blog\/canada-extends-tfwp-work-permit-grace-period\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada Extends Grace Period for TFWP Work Permit Applications Without Positive LMIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada has introduced an important change that may help temporary foreign workers avoid losing their legal work status while waiting for their employer\u2019s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).<\/span><\/p>\n

As of August 21, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the grace period for certain in-Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permit applications from 60 days to 90 days. This gives eligible applicants an additional 30 days to submit proof of a positive or neutral LMIA.<\/p>\n

For foreign workers whose permits are close to expiry, this change can provide valuable extra time and reduce the risk of having to stop working while their employer\u2019s LMIA application is being processed.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Concurrent Processing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Visa<\/p>\n

Normally, a foreign worker applying for a TFWP work permit needs to have the employer\u2019s positive or neutral LMIA before submitting the work permit application.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, <\/span>concurrent processing<\/b> allows eligible foreign nationals already in Canada to submit their work permit application while their employer\u2019s LMIA application is still being processed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under the updated policy, applicants can now have up to <\/span>90 days<\/b> to provide evidence that the LMIA<\/a> has received a positive or neutral decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is particularly helpful because LMIA processing can take several months. Without concurrent processing, workers could face a gap between the expiry of their current work permit and the employer receiving the required LMIA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Can Qualify for Concurrent Processing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

To be considered for concurrent processing, several conditions must generally be met:<\/span><\/p>\n