The LMO to replace Arranged Employment Opinions isn’t the same as the LMO that has existed in the past. For a long time, employers could apply for an arranged employment opinion (AEO) for foreign workers seeking permanent placement. This was especially important for those employers that needed skilled workers. It helped expedite the path to permanent residency for the worker.
The labour market opinion (LMO) is how employers helped foreign workers gain temporary employment. It requires approval from the HRSDC as well, but the requirements for employers are different. An LMO was only able to support a Temporary Work Permit application. However, with the AEO going away, the LMO will pick up some of the same purposes the AEO leaves behind.
LMO to Replace Arranged Employment Opinions
The Federal Skilled Worker Program revealed that Canada should ensure Canadian workers received the pay, benefits and jobs offered by employers.
When an employer submitted an LMO application on your behalf, they had to show that they took necessary steps to find nationals for the position.
The LMO had to prove there was a need for outside help, because it wasn’t available locally. Simply put, this change ensures that Canadians have the first chance at available Canadian jobs.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A well-known issue with AEOs was the sheer length of processing time involved. Several months could go by while you wait for the results. The LMO represented a swifter option.
The new procedure introduces a “permanent duration” LMO. This LMO can still serve to help employers to support you if you are seeking permanent residence. It still can help you if you are applying for a work permit. So an employer can still submit an LMO application on your behalf for permanent work.
After the change, they can also support a Permanent Residency application. So you can still apply for these things with your approved LMO in hand, rather than an AEO.
It also streamlines the process for employers. They can send either a temporary or permanent LMO application through the same process and channels.
However, if you apply for and receive a work permit, it will only last for a limited amount of time. This is true even if you are in the middle of applying for permanent residence.
What It Means For You
Really, your process isn’t all that different. Just trust that if an employer wants you there and wants to help you get there, they will help you by applying for an LMO on your behalf. They will do what they need to do to show the CIC that you meet all the requirements. You will still have to apply as you normally would.
Are You Interested In Working In Canada?
Understanding the continuous changes associated with Canadian immigration can often times be daunting. If you have immigration questions, we may have the answers you seek. We work with qualified immigration lawyers who can help. If you are interested in working in Canada, contact us to book a consultation.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
