What is full time for LMIA?

[moonpalace]

Hi, how many hours are required for the LMIA for work to be considered full time?

I've heard 30hrs/week from some and 37.5hrs/week from others.

Is there a difference when you apply for PR under Canadian Experience Class with an LMIA?

Thanks!

 

[jaybakerca]

37.5

CEC no longer exists.

Its all been combined to form the new EE system, (Express Entry)

 

[ButterflyChemist]

37.5

CEC no longer exists.

Its all been combined to form the new EE system, (Express Entry)

This is not correct. Express Entry is a selection method CEC is an immigration category. You have to meet the requirements of an immigration category in order to be successful with your PR application. When you
get your invitation to apply you have to submit your application under the relevant program and meet that program's requirements.
See the link or the details
http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

 

[moonpalace]

Ok thanks. I think I will apply under CEC.

An immigration lawyer told me that to apply under this category it is essential to have an LMIA and be in a full time job while the application is processed.

I wi have completed my 1560 hours for CEC in a few months.

The LMIA site says it has to be 30 hours. Elsewhere I've heard 37.5 for the Express Entry process itself. So which is it?

 

[fkl]

Ok thanks. I think I will apply under CEC.

An immigration lawyer told me that to apply under this category it is essential to have an LMIA and be in a full time job while the application is processed.

I wi have completed my 1560 hours for CEC in a few months.

The LMIA site says it has to be 30 hours. Elsewhere I've heard 37.5 for the Express Entry process itself. So which is it?

You have been misinformed if any thing.

if you are working in Canada in a skilled position NOC 0, A or B, you have to complete exactly 1 year of work for CEC (at least 30 hours or more). You cannot apply sooner if you worked 40 hours and expect to meet total number of hours in less than a year.

It has to be full 12 months and at least 30 hours per week. Details are listed here.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp

Also second what ButterflyChemist said above. EE just adds a first stage selection criteria to existing immigration programs. You still have to fit in one of FSW, PNP, CEC or FST programs. Nothing has changed in requirements of immigration programs.

Update:

LMIA helps you to gain additional 600 points in profile for now in first stage of EE. As of today it seems that is critical to get Invitation to Apply since cut off scores for last draw of ITA was 808. But irrespective of score, you have to first meet eligibility criteria for one of Immigration programs. If you haven't completed one full year you cannot get an ITA for CEC.

 

[moonpalace]

Oh ok, I was told that I can't apply earlier if I've accumulated the 1560 hours in less than a year.

I'm on my way to completing this (currently at 1200 hrs) after working approx 24 hours/week permanent part time (with additional extra shifts that Ive taken on).

My PGWP was issued in Nov 2013 and I've been in this job since June 2014. I have to accumulate these hours in the 3 years after my work permit was issued, not since I got the job.

I've been told by an immigration lawyer that I can accumulate these hours on a less than 30 hrs per week job with part time hours.

 

[fkl]

Yes you can accumulate it in longer period if you work less than 30 hours a week. So it would be min hours completed AND 1 year, not OR.

Besides i believe you know that if you are working with PGWP, your job is without LMIA and hence won't get the 600 additional score.

Though hopefully by the time you complete your 1 year, score would be lowered enough for people without LMIA to apply. However, at the moment it is a hope, nothing concrete.

 

[moonpalace]

I'm going to ask my work to do an LMIA for me and I feel hopeful that they will.

 

[sensay]

Me also exactly in same situation.
Is there anything regarding the pay of the job.
I am being paid towards the lower end of my job profile and is not way near to the median. Can this be a factor for refusal even if at a certain point the points of EE comes down.

 

[fkl]

Me also exactly in same situation.
Is there anything regarding the pay of the job.
I am being paid towards the lower end of my job profile and is not way near to the median. Can this be a factor for refusal even if at a certain point the points of EE comes down.

Sure it can be an important factor in refusal and has nothing to do with EE ITA threshold being lowered.

 

[sensay]

So is it always a better idea to get more than the median rate?
Or anything near the median will do.
Say if the median is 28, i am getting about 15 which is the low end.
Will getting 25 work or is it that only 28+ will work?

 

[fkl]

From what i know, exact median rate or higher - else there is little chance of approval viewing the current trend.

Moreover, even if it is approved somehow, there would be additional constraints like total number of years on work permit would be reduced to two max etc.