I'm a Medical practitioner and received a 3 months LMO to apply for a 3 months work visa. This is because my job involves the initial 3 months assesment/probation period following which we request a new LMO and apply for a Work permit of 36 months. I am worried about that because it seems too short although our LMO takes 4 - 6 working days.
Also, if a work permit is approved and i can not go in to Canada immediately as i plan to relocate to Australia for now, what can i do? either to write CIC to cancel it and i re-apply????? Assuming my LMO is still valid. please advise!

It sounds like you do not have a valid job offer for 36 months as yet. If the wording of your employment agreement is such that the probationary period is the sole offer of work in Canada at present, then that is the duration of the LMO that is available. There would not seem to be any bar in seeking a subsequent LMO and extension of your work permit (or new work permit) if the longer term position is offered.

If you choose not to pursue a work permit or enter Canada following the LMO Confirmation, it is the responsibility of the employer to contact Service Canada to invalidate it.

[quote="David"]It sounds like you do not have a valid job offer for 36 months as yet. If the wording of your employment agreement is such that the probationary period is the sole offer of work in Canada at present, then that is the duration of the LMO that is available. There would not seem to be any bar in seeking a subsequent LMO and extension of your work permit (or new work permit) if the longer term position is offered.

If you choose not to pursue a work permit or enter Canada following the [url=http://www.canadaworkpermit.com/hrsd.html]LMO Confirmation[/url], it is the responsibility of the employer to contact Service Canada to invalidate it.[/quote]

Thanks David, but if a work permit is approved for 3 months, i learnt it becomes active at the point of entry when it's stamped, am i right? Also, for what duration can i stay before entring Canada after the work permit is approved? Can i have up to 3 months to tidy up things and plan for relocation?

Yes, as a general rule, a work permit is effective as of the date of arrival at the port of entry, where it is issued to its holder. You may seek admission as a visitor prior to securing such a work permit, in which case the normal policy is admission for a period of up to 6 months (subject to the discretion of the official).