LMO or AEO Route Please Advise

[Boddy]

My partner has been offered a job which is on the NOC list and we are unsure as to whether it would be quicker and easier for the employer to fill out an LMO and my partner obtains a temp work permit (to then apply for PR when in Canada) OR more straight forward for the employer to fill out an AEO (Arranged Employment Opinion)to support our PR application and wait. Which would be quicker and more straightforward.....We understand what is involved with an LMO but unsure how long we would have to wait for our PR with an AEO. Please someone help advise.

 

[Leon]

An LMO will get you there faster working for the employer but an AEO is easier to get. If the employer is not in a hurry, doesn't mind waiting up to a year for you to get your PR, then you can go with the AEO. Otherwise try for the LMO first. You can still go for the AEO if the LMO is denied.

 

[Boddy]

Thank you Leon for your prompt reply.
Even though his job is on the noc list and not on the "in demand" do you think that will hinder the application? Which route would you recommend? Thanks again (Employer does not mind waiting)

 

[Leon]

For AEO, they mostly look at that it is a genuine job offer and that the person is likely to work there after arriving as a PR. All jobs are in the NOC list but for AEO, it needs to be a skilled job, skill level 0, A or B.

 

[kenLin]

Hi Leon,

I need your advise which is kinda related to this topic.

I am in the US on H1B and I got a Job offer from an employer in Canada and they have filed for my LMO in Toronto. My questions are:

1. Can I apply for my PR with that offer letter and the approved LMO. Or I do have to apply for a work permit, go to Canada and then apply for my PR from there. Can't I just do it with these papers from the US? My employer can wait actually as he is in no rush.
2. How long does it take to get the LMO approved in Toronto? as I see it takes around 4-6 weeks, but this is the seventh week running and we have not heard anything yet.

Appreciate your help!

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Leon]

If you are thinking of applying for PR under skilled worker class with a job offer, you should either have an AEO or if you are already working, you can use an LMO and a job offer letter from the employer. You can see this here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-employment.asp

If you are thinking of applying under PNP, you need to talk to the PNP of that province and ask them what they require in the way of a job offer.

 

[kenLin]

Thanks for your response.

I am not working in the company right now. I am in the US under H1B visa working for an American IT firm with an IT background as education and experience.

I am thinking of applying for PR under skilled worker class. But the thing is that I just found out that I would need an AEO, like you have also mentioned, but my employer from Canada, who has offered me a job, has filed for an LMO in Ontario and its already been 6 weeks now. So can I apply for my PR with that LMO and a letter from the employer that I would join work when the PR gets approved or I would need an AEO?

Also since my LMO is in process right now can I apply for AEO as well, if required, would that contradict with each other. And roughly how long does it take for both LMO and AEO to process and submit the results?


Thanks for your immediate response.

 

[Leon]

You would need an AEO. I am not sure how long they take but they are generally easier to get than an LMO because the employer does not have to advertise or prove that he could not find a Canadian.

 

[kenLin]

Thanks Leon,

But the question that stands now is can I apply for an AEO while my LMO is in process, would those contradict with each other?

Thanks,

 

[Leon]

I don't know that but I don't think so. I know you can have an AEO, apply for your PR, then apply for an LMO and get a work permit. The only reason it might not work the other way around is that they could say if you have an LMO and a work permit and already working, you should use that to apply for PR but you haven't gotten the LMO yet, don't even know if it will be approved and it sounds like you are not planning on using it to get a work permit anyway.

 

[kenLin]

Hmmm I guess I got confused now... I don't need an LMO again after, if, I get my PR approved and in Canada... Do I need an LMO every time to work for a company even after my PR gets approved? I don't think so, do I?


So what do you suggest then, should I apply for an AEO now while my LMO is in process or should I wait for a response on the LMO and then go for AEO, because yes you are right.. I dont want to apply for my work permit and then apply for PR.. I want to apply for my PR directly and save time?

Your thoughts?

Thanks a ton,

 

[Leon]

You don't need an LMO or a work permit after you get your PR but if you had first applied for an AEO and applied for your PR, you could during the waiting apply for an LMO and get a work permit and that is what some people do.

Apply for the AEO now and see what happens.