Do I need an LMIA if I have a Post-Grad Work Permit (Open) to apply for express?

[hasankhan27]

Hello Everyone,
I am working as an Engineer in Alberta (with NOC 0, A or B) and planning to apply for express entry. I have two options either to apply through the provincial nomination (AINP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Which option is better for me?

I have my master's from Canada and have an OPGWP (open post-grad work permit), would I need an LMIA from my firm in order to apply for Express Entry if I apply through CEC?

Please give me suggestions....

Have a good day!

Regards,
Hassan K. Khan

 

[profK]

Express Entry is not an immigration program but online system you can use to apply the key economic immigration programs:

the Federal Skilled Worker Program
the Federal Skilled Trades Program
the Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Program

According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0)
professional jobs (NOC skill type A)
technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B)

You must have at least 12 months of full-time, or an equal amount in part-time, skilled work experience. Full-time work means at least 30 hours of paid work per week.

I recommend you check your eligibility via this link http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/ee-start.asp

You can also use this link to calculate your score http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

A score above 453 is a very good base of the last draw.

You have to decide which stream will work for you. I know AINP takes several months to get a nomination.

Best of luck

 

[mf4361]

You don't need LMIA to enter to pool, but you won't get 600 points for your job.

You can have AINP and CEC-EE application in parallel, but you will be responsible for fees in both applications.

 

[hasankhan27]

Thanks for the help. I wanted to apply through the CEC (and by not applying for a PNP) when i have acquired 1 year of work experience, but some people are telling me that a LMIA would still be required. I am confused and searching for some official ruling by the CIC.

I found this link (below), it states that I don't require a LMIA for WORK under the "international mobility program" but it nowhere states whether I require one for one for applying for PR or not? Can you please clarify?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-permit.asp

I really appreciate your help

Express Entry is not an immigration program but online system you can use to apply the key economic immigration programs:

the Federal Skilled Worker Program
the Federal Skilled Trades Program
the Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Program

According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0)
professional jobs (NOC skill type A)
technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B)

You must have at least 12 months of full-time, or an equal amount in part-time, skilled work experience. Full-time work means at least 30 hours of paid work per week.

I recommend you check your eligibility via this link http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/ee-start.asp

You can also use this link to calculate your score http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

A score above 453 is a very good base of the last draw.

You have to decide which stream will work for you. I know AINP takes several months to get a nomination.

Best of luck

 

[hasankhan27]

Thanks for the help. Would I get 600 points if I complete one year of full-time work (even if I dont have an LMIA?)

You don't need LMIA to enter to pool, but you won't get 600 points for your job.

You can have AINP and CEC-EE application in parallel, but you will be responsible for fees in both applications.

 

[scylla]

Thanks for the help. Would I get 600 points if I complete one year of full-time work (even if I dont have an LMIA?)

No. You need an LMIA if you want the 600 points.

 

[hasankhan27]

No. You need an LMIA if you want the 600 points.

Thank you. Things are much clearer now