5 Warning Signs of Work Permit Scams in Canada’s Visa System

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 30, 2025Work Visas & LMIA NewsCanada immigration, dummy work permits, immigration system, visa sponsorship, work permits

Canada’s immigration system is currently grappling with a growing concern: the rise of what are known as “dummy work permit extensions.” This practice allows temporary foreign workers to extend their stay in Canada under “maintained status” while they wait for decisions on work permit extensions, even if they might not qualify.

But what does “maintained status” mean? It means that if you apply for a permit extension before your current one expires, you can legally stay and work in Canada under the conditions of your existing permit until a decision is made. However, dummy applications often lack a real job offer, prompting IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to crack down on these submissions.

Why Are Dummy Work Permit Extensions Increasing?

Several factors are driving this trend:

Limited Permanent Residency Options: With fewer pathways to Canadian PR available, workers are turning to dummy applications to stay in the country while exploring other options.
Long Processing Times: Applications for work permit extensions currently take an average of 158 days, incentivizing some to submit extensions while they search for jobs or await nominations.
Exploiting Loopholes: Temporary residents can apply for extensions without needing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or a job offer, making these applications appear legitimate even if they are not.

IRCC’s Response

IRCC is making concerted efforts to tackle the increase in dummy applications by implementing faster triaging and cancellation processes. Stakeholders argue that this practice not only clogs the system but also delays processing times for those with genuine applications.

Consequences of Dummy Applications

While these extensions may seem like a short-term solution, they hold significant risks:

Risk of Rejection: If IRCC finds that an application was submitted without genuine intent, it could lead to rejection and a loss of legal status.
Misrepresentation Penalties: Submitting false information can result in serious penalties, including a ban on future visa applications.
Delays for Legitimate Applicants: The backlog caused by dummy applications ultimately impacts those who are genuinely seeking to stay and work in Canada.

For international job seekers considering Canada, understanding the implications of these practices is crucial. Engaging in the immigration process with honesty and integrity is essential for a smooth path to living and working in Canada.