What is an arranged employment opinion (AEO)?

The purpose of an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO), is to have the Canadian government verify a job offer for the purpose of qualifying for the Federal Skilled Worker program or circumventing its cap. Canadian immigration undertakes an evaluation of the permanent job offer to ensure that it is genuine and meets Canadian labor market standards. Once a candidate qualifies for an arranged employment opinion , Canadian immigration is assured that the individual will arrive in Canada ready to work and contribute to, rather than detract from Canadian social services.

Who needs an arranged employment opinion?

If you are applying for Canadian permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker program and the following criteria apply you to, you require an arranged employment opinion:

1. Are outside of Canada and have received a full-time permanent job offer contingent upon obtaining Canadian permanent residence; OR
2. Are working in Canada on a work permit that it set to expire before your application for Canadian permanent residence has been approved and you are concerned you will not be able to obtain an extension of your current work permit; OR
3. Are working in Canada on a work permit but have been offered a full-time permanent job offer in a position or company different from the one you currently hold/indicated on your work permit.

NOTE: An arranged employment opinion is not authorization to work in Canada. If you are in one of the situations listed above and are interested in working in Canada, you require a work permit. Click here for more information on obtaining a Canadian work permit.

What factors does Canadian immigration consider when assessing an arranged employment opinion application?

1. Occupation: Is the position being offered to the foreign worker at a skilled or managerial level and is it in demand?
2. Wages and working conditions: Are the salary and conditions of work offered consistent with Canadian and regional labor market standards?
3. Authenticity of the job offer & the employer's record: Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) or Service Canada will verify that the Canadian employer has had workers on the payroll for at least one year, has the financial capacity to hire the employee in question and that the employer has no HRSDC violations on their record. HRSDC also reserves the right to contact the employer to verify that the offer is genuine.
4. Full-time & permanent employment: Arranged Employment Opinions can only be issued for full-time permanent positions that are not seasonal in nature. For these purposes, full-time is considered to be 30 hours per week.