May 13, 2008

Arrange Employment Opinion: Faster Visa Processing?

When asked if there's a way to expedite the process for permanent residence in Canada, I always have a ready answer: File your application soon. Processing period is simply beyond your control. It may take a while, but at least you have something to look forward to.

But is there really a way to expedite the process of your Canada Visa?

Yes, there are two ways to do this. First, there's the Provincial Nominee Program. More and more provinces in Canada are now being open to immigrants and are expanding their programs.

Just recently, the Government of NewfoundLand and Labrador introduced a new category on their program: Family Connections Category. If you have relatives from this province, this is worth considering.

Another way to expedite the process is thru an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO).

An AEO is a Human Resource and Skills Development Council (HRSDC) approved permanent job offer by a Canadian employer to a foreign skilled worker. This will help a worker gain permanent residency in Canada. It is different from a Labor Market Opinion, which is necessary in applying for a work permit.

According to the Canadian High Commission in London, the approval of a job offer by HRSDC is an indication that a foreign worker is required to address a skill or labour shortage in Canada. Permanent residence applications from those with approved permanent job offers can therefore be considered and processed more quickly than if the applicants do not have job offers in Canada.

Based on our experience, an application filed with an AEO is processed within 6 months to 1 year only.

Do you want an Arranged Eemployment Opinion? Start looking for employers here.