ARCHIVED – Operational Bulletin 225 - August 5, 2010

Modified processing instructions for Information Technology work permit applications (software pilot) received prior to October 1^st, 2010

This Operational Bulletin has expired.

Purpose

As a follow-up to Operational Bulletin 210 – End of Simplified Entry Process for Information Technology (IT) specialists – Temporary Foreign Worker Program – published June 4, 2010, the purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance to officers processing work permit applications received prior to October 1^st, 2010, when the national Labour Market Opinion (LMO)/software pilot will be cancelled.

Background

On May 20, 2010, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada/Service Canada (HRSDC/SC) issued a notice for employers that the simplified entry process for certain IT occupations will end on September 30, 2010, and that effective October 1^st, 2010, employers who wish to hire Temporary Foreign Workers previously eligible for IT facilitated processing will be required to apply for a LMO.

Note: For employers wanting to hire foreign workers for positions in Quebec, the facilitated process will remain in place until further notice.

For more information, see the Notice for employers on the HRSDC website.

Work permit applications received prior to October 1^st, 2010

Under the simplified entry process, the national LMO will remain in place for seven specific IT occupations up to and including September 30, 2010.

Work permit applications received at a Citizenship and Immigration Canada visa office or at the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, or requests for work permit issuances received by Canada Border Services Agency at a port of entry prior to October 1^st, 2010, will not need to be accompanied by an LMO.

Limiting the duration of work permits issued prior to October 1^st, 2010

Requests for an extension of a work permit or a new work permit application that has been filed prior to October 1^st, 2010, if approved, will allow a maximum duration of one year from the date of issuance of the work permit.

Work permit applications received on or after October 1^st, 2010

Effective October 1^st, 2010, work permit applications received for the seven specific IT occupations that were previously under the facilitated process will require an LMO. Note that until further notice, the change does not apply to Quebec.

Work permit durations will be in accordance with the requirement stated within the LMO.