As though the LMO application system was not already onerous enough, Human Resources and Social Development Canada (“HRSDC”) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) have announced that effective March 25, 2011, the online Labour Market Opinion (“LMO”) application system will be unavailable until a new secure online Web system is installed in June 2011. During this period, all employers can still submit LMO paper application forms by mail or fax to the appropriate Service Canada Centre. The Live-in Caregiver Program online application process will continue to be available without interruption.
In addition, new LMO application forms will be available as of March 25, 2011. These new forms will be specific to each stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program such as the Live-in Caregiver Program, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, etc. My staff and I can’t wait to see the impact of the new forms on an already arduous system.
Completed LMO applications received by Service Canada by March 31, 2011, will be processed in accordance with the standard Program requirements. As of April 1, 2011, any LMO request received must be made using the new LMO application forms and will be processed in accordance with the new amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
For more information about the LMO and Work Permit process in Canada, please contact our office: veronique_malka@visaserve.com