Have current work visa, but was recently laid off! Need advice, please!!!

[StrategyWizard]

Greetings!

I currently have 36-month work visa that allows me to work in an executive level position for one particular Canadian employer. 

In December, I was laid off from my employer due to "shortage of work."  I understand that my work permit is still valid thru the 36-month period, but I'm wondering what I need to do to update my status and change employers.

Luckily, I've found a new employer who wants to hire me for a similar position here in Canda.  Do I need a positive LMO associated with this new position in order to get a new or updated work permit?  What are the steps for pushing this along?  The new employer is about to make me a job offer, and they understand my situation.  What do I need to do as part of the process?  What will the employer do?  I'm completely unaware of the process for getting a new LMO and switiching employers...PLEASE HELP.

Any and all information and insights are most appreciated! I'm researched this topic tons and tons, and I haven't found much.  Money is also tight, and if possible, I'd like to avoid hiring an immigration attorney.  I just need simple help, and i don't know where to start.

Thanks in advance!

[Leon]

The employer needs to apply for a new LMO.  If you are from a visa exempt country, when they get the LMO, you can take it to the border and apply there for a new work permit.  If you are not, you have to apply for a new work permit to CIC which takes a bit longer.

[StrategyWizard]

Thanks so much for your quick reply!  I'm assuming that the U.S. is a "visa exempt" country?