November 5, 2015 – the recently launched Citizenship and Immigration Canada Employer Portal (the Portal) continues to be plagued by problems. The Portal, launched on October 26, 2015, was meant to streamline both payment of the compliance fee and other information required for the LMIA-exempt work permit approval process. Employers are experiencing technical glitches that have prevented some from registering for the Portal in order to issue job offers through the International Mobility Program and pay the required compliance fee. Green and Spiegel has been advised that Canadian Border Security Agency officers at some ports-of-entry are also experiencing difficulties in accessing the portal, preventing them from accessing the information necessary to issue certain Labour Market Impact Assessment exempt work permits. The International Mobility Program includes intra-company transfers, as well as NAFTA and other free trade agreement work permits.
Foreign nationals applying for LMIA-exempt work permits at Canadian ports-of-entry are advised that they may experience delays during processing.
Green and Spiegel will continue to track implementation of the Portal and provide updates as warranted. If you require information on applying for an LMIA-exempt work permit, or require assistance, please contact Green and Spiegel.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.