What is the real impact of a 7 1/2 month processing time for work permits submitted from inside Canada? It all depends on your situation before submitting your application:
Applying to extend your closed work permit with no changes: the principle of “maintainted status” allows you to keep working during the time it takes IRCC to process your application. For companies renewing their employees’ work permits, this long processing time may not be an issue.
Applying for a post-graduation work permit or to change an open work permit: as above, maintained status allows you to work or continue working while you wait for a decision.
Applying for a new closed work permit (e.g. to change employers): Your employer must be willing to wait about 10 months before you can start working (including the LMIA processing time). Since most companies have immediate needs, this is a big disadvantage of hiring a foreign worker who is already in Canada. Processing times are shorter if the application is submitted to a visa office outside Canada. The good news is that if you have a job, you can continue working for your current employer while you wait for the decision, even if your work permit expires. But if you lose your job, then you should seek our professional advice on the best way forward.
There are many other situations, including re-applying for a work permit after an application was refused. This is happening more frequently. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options. We can provide advice on the best and fastest way to get back to work in Canada!