How hard is it to get an LMIA?

[WillNAS]

I currently work as a decorative arts cataloguer for an auction house, however my current work permit expires in 6 months. My job normally requires at least an MA in either History or history of art, or at the minimum a BA.

Being based in Edmonton, Alberta, it is going to be hard for my employer to find a suitable replacement, as opposed to if it were Toronto or Vancouver.

I also have a lot of work experience doing the same in Europe, where the antiques and art scene is far more prevalent than here Canada.

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[xpressentry]

It is very difficult as it takes time and costs the employer a lot of money but it is possible. You would need to convince the employer.

 

[WillNAS]

I've heard it takes a month and costs 1100 dollars in total. My employer wants to go ahead and keep me on.

I'm also the Asian art specialist, and I imagine that would be a hard position to fill here.

Not so much on the West Coast, but very much so here.

I wish to know what kind of jobs they usually grant work permits for.

 

[xpressentry]

It would take more than a month. They have to advertise the position and prove that they didn't find any permanent residents or citizens to do the job.

 

[WillNAS]

It would take more than a month. They have to advertise the position and prove that they didn't find any permanent residents or citizens to do the job.

How do they prove they did not find anyone suitable to do the job?

 

[xpressentry]

By advertising the positions and showing CIC that they did not get suitable applicants.

 

[scylla]

I've heard it takes a month and costs 1100 dollars in total. My employer wants to go ahead and keep me on.

I'm also the Asian art specialist, and I imagine that would be a hard position to fill here.

Not so much on the West Coast, but very much so here.

I wish to know what kind of jobs they usually grant work permits for.

It will likely take 3-5 months to complete the LMIA process. The advertising takes a month (this has to be done before the application can be submitted). The processing time once the application is submitted is anywhere from a few weeks to several months (most take several months). Your employer needs to kick off the process NOW.

 

[WillNAS]

It will likely take 3-5 months to complete the LMIA process. The advertising takes a month (this has to be done before the application can be submitted). The processing time once the application is submitted is anywhere from a few weeks to several months (most take several months). Your employer needs to kick off the process NOW.

Thanks Scylla!

Is is truly difficult to get one? This would not be a case of my employer just trying to "help me out", but it can be quite hard to recruit for this industry in Western Canada.

 

[scylla]

Thanks Scylla!

Is is truly difficult to get one? This would not be a case of my employer just trying to "help me out", but it can be quite hard to recruit for this industry in Western Canada.

Yes - they are generally difficult to get. However if your employer can demonstrate that they can't find a Canadian to hire for the role - it's quite possible the LMIA will be approved. Make sure your employer follows the LMIA advertising requirements exactly. Also, make sure you're being paid at least the median wage for your occupation for your province / city.