Does anyone know how much it costs (for an employer) to apply for AEO?

[Brown eyed girl]

Hi guys, so good new for some and bad news for others. News not good for me unfortunately, as I am not on list of 38 (something I already suspected even before they posted the list). My canadian friend is racking his brain to see how to get me AEO; he has a small business installing security equipment and doing computer software but he's never employed anyone before as it's pretty much a one-man operation at the moment. He is willing to apply for AEO but would like to know how much are the fees for applying for it and how long does it usually take for it to be issued? I am wondering how quickly I am going to get my application back and fee refunded by CIC now that I am in the "rejects" pile :-( and whether my friend would have enough time to obtain AEO before my file is closed and returned.

I was also thinking of the possibility of applying to a Canadian University as a student (I could probably afford to pay the fees) but would my husband be eligible to work while I'm studying? We would need at least one income coming into the household.

Any feedback will be much appreciated. And congratulations to all of you on the list, I am happy for you guys. Take care.

 

[eduardoF]

Apparently, it's free. The application form does not mention any fees to be paid, neither by the employer, nor by the potential employee.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/forms/emp5275e.pdf

So I'm guessing all your friend has to do is send the application. Detailed instructions here:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/poarremp.shtml


(I could be wrong though)

 

[Leon]

If the AEO doesn't come early enough for your file, you can use it to apply again or possibly your friend can use it to sponsor you for PNP in his province.

 

[Brown eyed girl]

Thanks guys, I will let my friend know and see if he can get it done. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Incidentally if anyone has any info about my second question, i.e. if I were to go as a student, would my husband be able to work? then I would appreciate it too (although to be honest, that would be our last resort. I thought my studying days were over!!).

Thanks for everything
x

 

[Leon]

Yes, if you go as a student, your husband gets an open work permit so will not need an LMO and can take any job, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5552E3.asp near the bottom of the page where it says:


Note: Spouses and common-law partners of full-time students in a program at a university, community, college, CÉGEP, or publicly funded trade/technical school in Canada can apply for a generic (open) work permit. For further details refer to the Foreign Workers Manual (see Open Work Permits) located on our website [Acrobat PDF] or contact the Call Centre.

 

[Brown eyed girl]

Thanks Leon

 

[Mila Vancouver]

As far as I know, in order to apply for the AEO, employer has to show that it's a real business that has at least one employee employed.
So, how will it work with that friend's business as he never employed anybody before?

 

[Brown eyed girl]

I really couldn't tell Mila - he might not be able to do it because as you rightly said, he has never employed anyone. Since the company has a name, I don't know if he himself would count as an employee of the company. Probably not, but can only wait and see. It's tough times for us not on the 38 list...just clutching at straws I guess.