LMIA/ Job offer process question

[Ronkoski]

Hi Everyone,

I have a curious question for you all after going through a pretty surreal job interview experience a few weeks ago. I'm from California and work in the marketing field as a skilled digital strategist. I was recently contacted by a global organization based out of Vancouver, BC and flew up there for interviews a couple of weeks ago.

They went over the immigration and work permit process as far as what a LMIA assessment is and how they go about submitting that paperwork through their legal team. The position I interviewed for has been posted for a few months now and apparently they have interviewed multiple Canadians for the role.

I'm still waiting to hear if I landed the position or not. I was wondering if a positive LMIA has to be acquired before an offer can be made or if the job offer comes first then a LMIA can be submitted for?

Any information would be much appreciated and ease my racing mind!

Cheers,
RON

 

[scylla]

They can give you the job offer first - but if an LMIA is required, you can't do much with just a job offer and the job offer alone really has zero value. You'll need an approved LMIA before you can obtain a work permit and start working. And LMIA processing can take a number of months to complete.

Have you researched NAFTA to see if your occupation falls on the list of NAFTA occupations? If it does, you may be LMIA exempt.

 

[scylla]

Just to add - if an LMIA is in fact required, make sure your employer has either already gone through the process before or spends time to 100% understand the advertising requirements (they are very specific). If your employer applies for an LMIA without 100% meeting the advertising requirements, refusal is automatic.

 

[Ronkoski]

Hi Syclla,

Thanks so much for the fast response and great information. I had totally forgot about NAFTA but it seems marketing professions don't fall under that agreements guidelines so a LMIA will be needed.

The org hires a fair amount of foreign workers so I believe they understand the LMIA requirements pretty well. I think they also might be favored for faster processing since they rely on so much foreign talent to be competitive (I could be wrong tho).

Seems to be quite the waiting game either way. Anticipation is starting to get to me!

Thanks again,
RON