LMIA
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
Getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an important step in getting a temporary work permit in Canada. It must be properly filed with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada, certifying that a business can hire a temporary worker.
An LMIA verifies that there is a need for a temporary worker and that no Canadian applicants are available to do the job, giving priority to Canadian residents over foreign nationals. If an employer hires a temporary worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), they will need to apply for an LMIA and pay the required fee.
Since the labour market in Canada changes quarterly, the final decision on issuing work permits rests solely with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Not all occupations on a positive LMIA list are issued a work permit. There are several complexities when filling out documents, and knowing the most current information is key to your application’s success.
Since the labour market in Canada changes quarterly, the final decision on issuing work permits rests solely with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Not all occupations on a positive LMIA list are issued a work permit. There are several complexities when filling out documents, and knowing the most current information is key to your application’s success.
Do you need help with job searching process and acquiring LMIA? We can help. Feel in the Canada Job Application form.
- What businesses are eligible to apply for an LMIA and hire foreign workers?
- The current list of professions eligible for LMIA
- Exemptions to the LMIA process
- Is IMP (International Mobility Program) exempting you from an LMIA?
- What are preconditions for a business to apply to LMIA
IRCC publishes annual statistics on the number of foreign workers who enter Canada in its Facts and Figures publication. These statistics are based on the number of work permits issued at ports of entry and encompass a variety of program streams beyond the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), such as temporary residents entering Canada for work, study or humanitarian and compassionate reasons.
LMIA Application Process
An LMIA application is a lengthy process, and failure to comply with all the formal requirements, and not knowing which requirements are absolutely essential, can result in an application denial. This can be a costly ordeal for both the employer and potential employee. Once a business receives a negative LMIA response, it will diminish their chances of success when re-applying in the future.
The application process for an LMIA may take a couple of weeks, or a couple of months – however, there are certain categories that fall into an express process:
The application process for an LMIA may take a couple of weeks, or a couple of months – however, there are certain categories that fall into an express process:
- Highest-demand occupations as specified by the region (ex. skilled trades)
- Highest-paid (top 10%) occupations
- Short-duration work periods (120 days or less)
Apply for a LMIA
Choosing the right strategy based on experience and knowledge is vital for an approved LMIA. Our immigration consultants at SKG immigration services have a high success rate in obtaining an LMIA.
While assessing a company for an LMIA, we take into consideration the latest changes in immigration law to minimize the chances of getting a negative result.
While assessing a company for an LMIA, we take into consideration the latest changes in immigration law to minimize the chances of getting a negative result.
