URGENT MESSAGE – EMPLOYERS ARE CAUTIONED TO RESTRICT ANY TYPE OF CHANGE TO THEIR LMIA LABOUR PLANS. THERE IS A HUGE POSSIBILITY AND RISK THAT, THE CHANGE WILL NOT HAPPEN.
TIME RESTRICTIONS
15 DAY WINDOW (BUSINESS DAYS)
Fifteen business days prior to flight departure all seats are considered sold.
**EMPLOYERS ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR UNUSED SEATS WHEN A CHANGE IS REQUESTED INSIDE 15 DAYS FROM THE FLIGHT DATE. EMPLOYERS
ARE CAUTIONED TO BE VERY SELECTIVE ABOUT REQUESTING A CHANGE.
**EXCEPTION – ARRIVALS BETWEEN JANUARY 1-15 EACH YEAR – NO CHANGES OR CANCELLATONS ARE PERMITTED AFTER 15 NOVEMBER
TYPES OF CHANGES
Delays – An employer can delay a worker if flight is at least 15 business days from the date the change is requested and b) delay is for more than 7 days from original flight date.
Advances – An employer can advance a worker up to 6 weeks from the date the change is requested and only if the advance is for more than 7 days ahead of the original flight date.
Cancellations – As much notice as possible is necessary. An employer can cancel workers if the flight date is AT LEAST 15 business days from the change date, not including the day of the flight.
EMERGENCIES ONLY (i.e. extreme weather/crop damage) – If a cancellation is required within the 15 day penalty time frame you may be required to pay for the unused seat. Every attempt will be made to fill the seat for another employer however to do this the arrival time must coincide with the job start date for the other employer. Each case can only be managed on an individual basis.
Name Changes – If a work permit application is already in process at the immigration office abroad, for a worker, the name change WILL NOT be permitted. Arrival date must be 6 weeks ahead, from the date the change is requested. A detailed reason for the name change is required.
Employers may request the named worker on a subsequent travel date if a date is open and not filled with a worker who has a work visa. A future LMIA can also be an option to name a particular worker provided seasonal housing is available. The Ministry of Labour in Mexico has advised that SAWP employers may not name a worker who is not already registered on SAWP.
HOW TO PLACE A CANCELLATION – CHANGE – DELAY – ADVANCEMENT
CONTACT F.A.R.M.S. directly to advise the type of change you wish to make against your LMIA application. A copy of the change with a five (5) digit confirmation number on it, is sent to you for review. Please report any discrepancies immediately to F.A.R.M.S. Please do not contact Service Canada to place an order change for an approved SAWP LMIA as they will direct you back to F.A.R.M.S.