Human Resources and Social Development Canada has announced expansion of the Expedited Labour Market Opinion pilot project (E-LMO) to include 21 new occupations in addition to the 12 covered when the program was established in September, 2007. The waiting period for immigration applications for positions covered by the expanded program will drop from a maximum of five months to five days.
The following occupations have been added to the E-LMO list:
- Steamfitters and pipefitters
Ironworkers
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Machinists
Roofers
Industrial electricians
Welders
Surveyor helpers
Commercial janitors and caretakers
Specialized cleaners
Mechanical engineers
Civil engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers
Petroleum engineers
Mechanical engineering technologists
Industrial meat cutters
Courier drivers
Residential cleaning and support workers
Tour and travel guides
Manufacturing and processing labourers
The 12 occupations originally covered by E-LMO were: carpenters, crane operators, construction labourers, hotel front desk clerks, food and beverage servers; food counter attendants, food service supervisors, registered nurses, dental technicians, pharmacists, snowboard and ski instructors, and retail sales persons and sales clerks.
Expansion of the program recognizes the challenges faced by employers in recruiting for the newly-included positions.