A reminder to employers that as a result of the global recession, concurrent processing for work permits and labour market opinions are no longer available. Not only that, but all Labour Market Opinions now expire six months after issuance.
Accelerated Labour Market Opinions
On April 25, 2012, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (“Service Canada”) launched two initiatives that will significantly change the process by which Canadian employers interested in hiring foreign workers apply for Labour Market Opinions (“LMO”). These are the Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (“A-LMO”) and the introduction of online applications. The A-LMO The purpose of the A-LMO is to reduce LMO processing times. Service Canada has indicated that their objective is that A-LMO applications will be processed in 10 business days, a significant reduction from the current average LMO processing time of 2-4 months. In addition to reduced processing times, the A-LMO will also feature: A reduction in the amount of documentation that employers have to submit to Service Canada when they apply for their A-LMO. Significantly, employers will no longer have to submit proof of recruitment. Flexibility on the prevailing wage. A wage of up to 15% less than the prevailing wage for an occupation will be accepted provided that the employer pays similar wages to Canadians and permanent residents employed in the same occupation. A waiver of the mandatory in-depth interview. Eligibility To be eligible to participate in the A-LMO, an employer must: Have been issued at … Read More