Starting April 3, 2023, employers and third-party representatives will be required to submit LMIA applications using the LMIA Online Portal. To support the transition, changes are also being made to the application forms that will be removed from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) website.
Exceptions
ESDC has announced a process to request an exemption to filing online. Employers and third parties must meet certain requirements to use the LMIA Online Portal. If they fall within 1 of the exception categories listed below, they may be exempted from submitting their application online.
- Individuals unable to apply using the LMIA Online Portal because they meet one of the exceptions above may submit a request for an exception to obtain a PDF LMIA form by emailing edsc.demande.formulaire.ptet-tfwp.form.request.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca. A response will be provided by email within two business days.
- Proof of a valid exemption will be required for each LMIA application form submitted to the TFWP. If it isn’t attached to the LMIA application form, the application may be deemed incomplete.
- A third-party representative can request an exemption for their client(s) if they meet the same exception criteria identified above. However, since the exemptions are employer-specific if more than 1 of the employers they represent requires an exemption, they’ll need to send a request for each employer.
Erickson Insights
The ESDC has provided video tutorials and resources to help users navigate the online LMIA application. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.