Online portal causing delays for LMIA-exempt applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s new web portal for employers to submit job offers is experiencing technical difficulties that are slowing down the application process for LMIA-exempt foreign workers.

What does the change mean? Employers should expect delays both in registering for the portal and in the processing of work permit applications.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits under the International Mobility Program.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments, including intracompany transferees and foreign professionals entering Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement or other trade agreements.
• Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect delays in obtaining CIC approval of job offers, as well as delays for NAFTA professionals applying at ports of entry.
• Business impact: Businesses should expect longer timelines until the technical glitches with the portal are resolved.

Background: CIC launched the portal last month, requiring that employers or their legal representatives use it to submit job offers directly to the agency.

BAL Analysis: BAL is working with employers to register for the portal so we may submit job offers and the required government compliance fee on their behalves. We will follow up with clients regarding the technical difficulties as more information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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