Operational Bulletin 225E - January 6, 2012

Modified processing instructions for Information Technology work permit applications (software pilot) for British Columbia and Quebec

Update: Facilitated process for British Columbia ended on December 31, 2011; whereas, the facilitated process for Quebec will remain in place until further notice.

Issue

This Operational Bulletin (OB) replaces OB 225 D “Modified processing instructions for Information Technology (IT) work permit applications (software pilot) for British Columbia and Quebec”, published on September 30, 2011.

Effective January 1, 2012, work permit applications received for the seven specific IT occupations that were previously under the facilitated process for IT specialists destined to British Columbia will require a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Note that until further notice, the facilitated process for Quebec will remain in place.

Background

On May 20, 2010, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada issued a notice (www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/communications/ITendNotice.shtml) to employers that the simplified process for certain IT occupations was to end on September 30, 2010 and that effective October 1, 2010, employers who wished to hire a temporary foreign worker previously eligible for IT facilitated processing were required to apply for an LMO, except in British Columbia where it was extended to December 31, 2011 and in Quebec until further notice.

Guidelines

Work permit applications received prior to January 1, 2012

For all work permit applications (both initial applications and renewals) received up to and including December 31, 2011, the facilitated process will remain in place for the seven specific IT occupations identified at www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/special-tech.asp. These applications, if approved, should have a maximum duration of one year from the date of work permit issuance (as per previous instructions).

Work permit applications received on or after January 1, 2012

Effective January 1, 2012, work permit applications received for the seven specific IT occupations that were previously under the facilitated process will require an LMO.

Work permit durations will be in accordance with the requirement stated within the LMO.

Note: Until further notice, the facilitated process will continue in Quebec.

For more information, see the Notice for employers on the HRSDC website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/itbc.shtml