What is a labour market opinion? A Labour Market Opinion (LMO) is the opinion provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to the officer which enables the officer to determine whether the employment of the foreign worker is likely to have a positive or negative impact on the labour market in Canada. A LMO may be required in order for a work permit to be issued. The LMO process begins by the prospective employer contacting ESDC to get a job offer form. Once the form is completed and submitted, ESDC considers several factors, including the availability of Canadians and the offered wages as well as the economic benefit the foreign worker would bring to Canada. ESDC then provides the opinion to the officer. The LMO is typically given for a specific period of time, and the work permit issued will coincide with that period. Renewal of a work permit beyond the specified period will likely require a new LMO. Find out more about the LMO. Note: For LMO-exempt work permits, these assessments will be completed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). Find out if you need an LMO. Who requires a work permit? A person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident who wishes to work in Canada requires a work permit. Depending on the nature of the activity, a person may be exempted from requiring a work permit by virtue of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. But in most cases, he or she will need to obtain a work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to work legally in Canada. Further details on persons exempted from a work permit may be obtained by visiting our website. You may also contact a Canadian visa office. When should I apply? You should apply as soon as you receive written evidence of your job offer or contract of employment and your Labour Market Opinion (LMO) of ESDC. In cases where a LMO is not required, you may apply once you receive written evidence of your job offer from the employer. What requirements must I meet to obtain a work permit? You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay. You must also: satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your employment, show that you have enough money during your stay in Canada to take care of yourself and your family members and to return home, be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate), not be a danger to the security of Canada, be in good health and complete a medical examination, if required, not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the List of Ineligible Employers found on CIC’s website, not have worked in Canada for one or more periods totalling four years after April 1, 2011 (with certain exceptions), provide any additional documents requested by the officer to establish your admissibility.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:21:25 +0000
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