Here is a brief overview of the different applications we handle...
Initial Work Permits
LMO-based:This is the standard work permit process requiring a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from Service Canada (SC). SC assesses the recruitment efforts undertaken to hire Canadians or permanent residents and takes a close look at advertising as well as the salary being offered prior to granting permission to hire a foreign worker.
NAFTA Professionals: A work permit category for US and Mexican citizens with a job offer for one of 63 specific occupations including Engineers, Urban Planners, Physicists, Chemists, Computer Systems Analysts and Management Consultants.
Intra-Company Transfers: Suitable for international transfers of employees between affilated organizations (parent, subsidiary, sister companies and some Joint Ventures). Employees must have been employed by the affiliated company for at least 1 year within the last 3 years.
PNP-based: For prospective employees nominated by a Provincial Nominee Program who have obtained a support letter from the respective program (varies by province).
Initial work permit applications are either submitted to the Canadian Consulate abroad responsible for the applicant's place of residence/ nationality or are made upon entering Canada at an airport or land border crossing.
Work Permit Renewals
Renewal applications may be made in the same category as the intial work permit or may require a category switch. Applications are submitted to the inland Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, AB.
Permanent Residence (PR) Applications
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A 2-step program leading to permanent residence status through employer sponsorship. Both prospective and current employees can submit a joint application together with the employer. Nomination typically serves as basis for work permit renewals if required while PR application is in process.
Canada Experience Class (CEC): A program for employees who already have Canadian work experience - 2 years for foreign workers, 1 year for foreign graduates of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: Another option to obtain PR with somewhat restricted access and based on a point-system.