Is it possible to have one's work permit renewed (to work in the same job/location etc) without the need to have a new LMO approved? If so, how?
If not, what happens if the LMO is rejected on the basis that a sufficient search of qualified Canadians was not performed? Can the work permit be renewed pending a more thorough search?
Can the LMO be issued without the need for the employer to do a new job search? That is, can the employer make the case that since I have been working in the job for the last two years and that I am the most knowledgeable about the projects I am involved in, hiring a new person to finish off those projects would be disruptive. We are simply trying to extend my work permit for another year, after which I plan to leave. It seems odd that we would need to do a new job search given the specificity of my job duties.
I suppose we could do a job search, but that would be a waste of resources if eventually I am the one who is going to be hired.
No - the LMO cannot be issued without doing a new job search. To obtain an approved LMO, the employer must once again prove they advertised the job and were unable to find a Canadian to hire for the role.
Is this a new rule? When my work permit was extended last year we got the LMO approved without doing a job search (I would know since I never applied for the job in that instance)
I am not sure what you mean by "post graduate work permit" but I am employed at an academic institution as a researcher/teacher (I have a Phd). My work permit has been renewed previously with a new LMO but without the need for a new job search.