LMO OR WAIT FOR AOR LETTER?

[immigrantbee]

Hi All,

So I phoned CIC to ask them a few questions regarding PR (CE). I was given bad advice by my lawyer and ended up applying for my BOWP before I got the AOR letter. So I phoned CIC to confirm I don't need an LMO for the BOWP and also asked them about how long does it take to get your AOR. The officer who was very kind, told them that it roughly takes 2-4 months. I am a bit concerned because my current permit expires Nov 14, so he said that I could apply for an LMO as a back up plan (in case the AOR) takes longer than 2 months.

What's your experience with LMOs? I am a bit worried about asking my employer to request one (kind of don't want to jeopardize my status), but on the other hand I get what the CIC offer is trying to say. It's a back up plan in case the letter takes longer than 2 months. I just want to know what you guys think.

Thanks

 

[joolery]

I would decide fast if you want to try for LMO (LMIA now). The processing time varies - my employer started the process (advertising) over a month ago and they are expecting to get it at the end of October.

I applied for CEC 4 weeks ago, after the LMIA process and I suspect the AOR to come first.

 

[immigrantbee]

Thanks. I am a bit worried and hesitant as per what would be best to do.

Is it difficult to get the LMO?

 

[joolery]

It's harder than it used to be. Your employer needs to advertise your position for a minimum of 4 weeks before they can submit the LMIA application. It has been longer than 4 weeks for me, so I hope they have either sent off the application or are about to. It looks like I am in the top 10% of wages and apparently that means 10 business day processing, but I'm not 100% sure of that. Otherwise it looks like it can take 2+ months after the application is sent.

My permit expires on Nov 19 so I am in a similar situation to you and I submitted my CEC application mid August. It's nerving but I think we should get our AORs in October - plenty of time to submit the BOWP application.

 

[immigrantbee]

Oh boy. In my case, they were recruiting this summer(guess they can do claimed they did advertise this summer to gain some time). It's nerve raking for sure.

You talk about 10% wages. What's that? Sorry, I don't know much about LMOs

I don't know what to do. I hope we both get our AOR soon.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Is it difficult to get the LMO?

It can be. Many employers are not willing to go through the LMIA process. It costs the employer $1000 just to apply; they do not receive that money back, even if the LMIA is refused. There are strict requirements that the employer must meet to show that they could not hire a Canadian citizen or PR.

See here for LMIA information http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/foreign_workers/index.shtml.

 

[immigrantbee]

Gosh, it's quite the process. Somehow it seems worthy just to wait for the AOR.

I am torn between applying or risking it and pray the AOR comes in time.