Why Timing Plays a Central Role in Work Permit Applications

Will I lose my status if the LMIA is delayed? Navigating Canada’s temporary foreign worker rules depends heavily on timing. In Winnipeg, immigration steps must align with employer obligations, government processing times, and permit expiry dates. When processes proceed as scheduled, approvals follow in order. If delays occur, concurrent processing offers a practical solution. This updated guide explains concurrent processing, its purpose, and its application, with a focus on minimizing disruption during Work permit applications.

What Concurrent Processing Means

Concurrent processing involves submitting a Work permit application while a related Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is still under review. This is typically done when an LMIA decision is delayed but a permit application needs to proceed. Normally, the LMIA is finalized first, followed by the permit application, which gives immigration officers a complete file from the start. However, immigration policy recognizes that processing timelines do not always align. When an LMIA decision is not available in time, concurrent processing allows both steps to move forward together. It does not remove the LMIA requirement. Instead, it provides flexibility when timing becomes tight, and waiting could lead to a lapse in status for the worker. According to the IRCC program delivery instruction, this approach is designed to manage cases where scheduling discrepancies could impact legal status (IRCC Manual, Section 5.2.1).

Why Timing Shapes Every Decision

IRCC recommends applying for a new Work permit at least 30 days before the current one expires. This buffer allows officers time to review the file and limits the risk of falling out of status. In practice, many factors can interfere with this schedule.

Employers must complete recruitment efforts before submitting an LMIA. These efforts usually include advertising for at least 28 days. If advertising starts later than planned or takes longer to document, the LMIA submission may be delayed. When this happens close to the worker’s expiry date, concurrent processing becomes relevant for the Work permit application.

How Concurrent Processing Works in Practice

Concurrent processing relies heavily on evidence. Immigration officers assess whether the employer acted promptly and whether any delays were outside reasonable control. For a Work permit application to be considered alongside a pending LMIA, the employer should demonstrate that the advertising requirements were met and that the LMIA was submitted as soon as permitted.

This approach works best when timelines are clearly documented. Recruitment dates, advertising records, and LMIA submission confirmations all help show that concurrent processing was not used casually, but out of necessity.

When Advertising Finishes Near the Deadline

Recruitment obligations are often the longest part of the LMIA stage. When advertising concludes close to the worker’s expiry date, there may not be enough time to wait for an LMIA decision. In this situation, filing the Work permit application concurrently helps keep the process moving while respecting recruitment rules.

IRCC officers will still assess whether the advertising was genuine and complete. Clear records are essential when explaining the need for concurrent processing.

When Processing Delays Are Unpredictable

Government processing times can change due to application volume or added review steps. Even well-prepared LMIA files can take longer than expected. When delays occur after the LMIA has already been submitted, concurrent processing supports the Work permit application by preventing unnecessary gaps caused by waiting. Action: When faced with processing delays, ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared for concurrent processing to avoid interruptions in work authorization.

This situation highlights why early planning is encouraged, even though outcomes cannot always be predicted.

When Legal Status Must Be Preserved

Maintaining legal status is a core concern for temporary foreign workers. Submitting a Work permit application before expiry can allow the worker to remain in Canada while awaiting a decision, provided the eligibility conditions are met. This is in accordance with section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which allows workers to maintain their status if they apply before their permit expires. If the LMIA is still pending, concurrent processing may be the only way to apply within the required timeframe. This makes communication between the worker and employer essential, especially as expiry dates approach.

When Employment Continuity Matters

Some workplaces in Winnipeg rely on consistent staffing to operate smoothly. A gap in authorization can disrupt schedules and operations. Concurrent processing allows the Work permit application to proceed without waiting for the LMIA decision, helping reduce the risk of interruptions tied solely to timing.

While approval is never guaranteed, this approach supports continuity when delays are unavoidable.

When Circumstances Are Truly Limited

IRCC has stated that concurrent processing is not meant for routine use. Applications where the LMIA was submitted immediately before the Work permit request are rarely accepted unless circumstances are unusual. Officers assess whether the employer had a reasonable opportunity to apply earlier and whether the recruitment process was completed properly. Examples of unusual circumstances include a sudden plant closure affecting numerous employees or an unexpected medical emergency involving a key team member that requires urgent staffing adjustments. Such instances demonstrate factors beyond the employer's control, making concurrent processing a necessary step to ensure compliance and continuity.

In these cases, strong explanations and supporting documents are essential.

How Winnipeg Applicants Can Prepare

Preparation begins months before a permit expires. Employers should carefully map out recruitment timelines and LMIA submission dates. Workers should track their own expiry dates and confirm progress regularly. When concurrent processing becomes necessary, a well-prepared Work permit application with clear timelines is more likely to be reviewed fairly.

Local labour demand and seasonal hiring patterns in Winnipeg can also influence processing speed, making early coordination even more important.

Local Perspective and Next Steps

Applying through concurrent processing requires careful alignment of documents, dates, and explanations. GH Immigration Svcs. works with workers and employers in Winnipeg to review timelines, assess application readiness, and prepare submissions that align with current IRCC expectations. With clear planning and accurate records, a Work permit application filed under concurrent processing can reflect compliance rather than urgency.

By focusing on what concurrent processing is, why it exists, and how it is used, applicants can approach timing challenges with clarity and confidence. Remember: 'Plan Ahead, Stay Ahead' to ensure smooth processing and preserve status.