In February 2015, CIC introduced new rules regarding LMIA-exempt work permit applications. A $230 compliance fee and a new form (the IMM 5802 form) became mandatory.

The February 2015 announcement indicated that a new electronic system would be introduced so that employers could send job offer information to CIC through an “Employer Portal”. This Employer Portal will be in place starting Oct. 26, 2015. The IMM 5802 form will no longer be accepted as of Nov. 21, 2015, so there is a short overlap period. 

CIC recently posted the following on their website:

“Starting October 26, 2015, CIC is introducing a new electronic system, the Employer Portal.

Employers must submit offers of employment in Labour Market Impact Assessment-exempt situations directly to CIC using this new system. The previous form, IMM 5802 Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment, will no longer be accepted.

If an employer has already provided a completed form to a foreign worker, the worker should submit a work permit application prior to November 21, 2015. If the foreign worker does not submit their application before this date, the employer must resubmit the Offer of Employment using the Employer Portal.”

As of the date this article was prepared, the details on the Employer Portal are not available.

However, employers should be aware of this change and should start using the Employer Portal as of Oct. 26 to file the job offer information for LMIA-exempt work permit situations. As well, employers need to be aware that an IMM 5802 cannot be used in a work permit application after Nov. 20, 2015 according to the CIC announcement.