IEC Permit Holder, now have permanent job offer, what are the steps?

[jpb1977]

Hello all and thank you for your help.

I am merely 2 weeks into my stay in Canada. From Italy, I was granted access to Canada through IEC. It is my intention to do all I can to stay in Canada for the maximum amount of time possible.

I am a chef, and have secured full-time employment.

I know the IEC permit cannot be extended, and I believe must apply for a closed work permit tied to this employer, is this true?

Are there any other steps I should be made aware of? Would the employer filling for a TFWP for me be of greater benefit?

Thank you very much for your responses.

 

[scylla]

Yes - you must apply for a closed work permit tied to your specific employer.

You are the only who has to apply for a closed work permit (your employer can't do this on your behalf). However before you can apply for a closed work permit, your employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Note that the LMO process takes a number of months to complete.

 

[jpb1977]

Yes - you must apply for a closed work permit tied to your specific employer.

You are the only who has to apply for a closed work permit (your employer can't do this on your behalf). However before you can apply for a closed work permit, your employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Note that the LMO process takes a number of months to complete.

Thank you for the information. Do you know the cost and process for obtaining this LMO? What is the maximum time I will be granted under the closed work permit? 6 months? 1-4 years? Does the LMO have to be obtained prior to applying, or can I merely reference a file number?

Thank you again!

 

[scylla]

Thank you for the information. Do you know the cost and process for obtaining this LMO? What is the maximum time I will be granted under the closed work permit? 6 months? 1-4 years? Does the LMO have to be obtained prior to applying, or can I merely reference a file number?

Thank you again!

I believe the cost of the LMO is $275. The LMO needs to be obtained first. Your employer will need to advertise your job for at least a month first (before submitting the LMO application) to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. Processing times for the LMO are then anywhere from 6-20 weeks. So plan accordingly. You will likely be granted a work permit of 1-2 years.

 

[zardoz]

I believe the cost of the LMO is $275. The LMO needs to be obtained first. Your employer will need to advertise your job for at least a month first (before submitting the LMO application) to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. Processing times for the LMO are then anywhere from 6-20 weeks. So plan accordingly. You will likely be granted a work permit of 1-2 years.

Isn't it a LMIA now at $1000?

 

[scylla]

Isn't it a LMIA now at $1000?

Yes - you're right. My mistake. I still can't get used to the new rules...

 

[jpb1977]

Wow... so essentially, besides the tremendous cost the employer has to make a case that I am solely qualified for the position, which is a relative impossibility because I am a chef, a position of which many people seek.

Is there nothing of worth which is granted for the 6 months of direct experience I will have with this employer?

Very disheartening.

Again, I appreciate the information and replies!

 

[scylla]

Wow... so essentially, besides the tremendous cost the employer has to make a case that I am solely qualified for the position, which is a relative impossibility because I am a chef, a position of which many people seek.

Yes - that's essentially correct.

This process is meant to protect the Canadian work force - meaning give them first access to any jobs available. If an employer wishes to hire a foreign worker, they must make a case for why a foreign worker is needed.

 

[jpb1977]

Which I fully support except in my own case.

I will make the most of my 6 months it seems...

 

[beholder69]

Which province are you in?

 

[jpb1977]

Which province are you in?

In Ontario. And did the cost increase to $1000 affect all LMOs or just in certain job categories?

 

[scylla]

In Ontario. And did the cost increase to $1000 affect all LMOs or just in certain job categories?

The cost incresed from $275 to $1000 for all jobs.

 

[jpb1977]

And are there any circumstances in which a chef position could be considered an LMO-exempt job?

 

[scylla]

And are there any circumstances in which a chef position could be considered an LMO-exempt job?

Only if you qualified for an open work permit based on other criteria. For example:

- You have been sponsored for permanent residency by your Canadian citizen or Canadian PR spouse / common law partner using the inland application process and have first stage approval
- Your spouse / common law partner is in Canada as a foreign student on a study permit
- Your spouse / common law partner is in Canada on a post graudate work permit and has a full time job
- Your spouse / common law partner is in Canada as a foreign worker on a work permit and has a skilled or semi-skilled job
- You have applied for PR through the FSW, CEC or a provincial nominee program and CIC has confirmed your application has been received and accepted (AOR)

 

[jpb1977]

None to all of the above... merely someone willing to work hard and live in Canada as long as possible.

So, how can I work with my employer to facilitate the LMO process? And, is a chef merely designated as a Cook in terms of the job code? I see that it is ranked high, #5 actually in terms of a position being filled by temporary foreign workers. Does this help my chances?

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, it is a great help.