Expert Guidance Through the LMIA Process
Labour Market Impact Assessment
When a Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign worker, they typically need to secure government approval before the foreign worker applies for a work permit. The LMIA process ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. Employers must demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to recruit locally and that the foreign worker will receive compensation and benefits that meet federal and provincial standards.
Positions offering salaries in the top 10% of wages for the job’s region.
Positions with wages below the top 10% but still meeting provincial or territorial standards.
Specific requirements for agricultural roles.
- Expedited LMIA process for hiring highly-skilled international talent.
How to get started
Process Overview
The LMIA application involves several steps, including:
- Recruitment Efforts: Demonstrating significant attempts to hire locally.
- Business Legitimacy: Providing proof that the business is legitimate.
- Compensation and Benefits: Ensuring the foreign worker receives appropriate compensation and benefits.
After receiving a positive or neutral LMIA, the employer provides the LMIA approval and job offer letter to the foreign worker, who can then apply for the LMIA-based Work Permit. Note that LMIA approval does not guarantee a work permit; separate documentation and review are required for the work permit application.
Expedited LMIA Processing
- Highest-Paid Positions: Jobs with wages in the top 10% of the region.
- Skilled Trades: Positions in eligible trades with wages meeting the regional median.
- Short-Duration Employment: Jobs lasting 120 days or less with wages meeting the regional median.
- Express Entry Support: Jobs supporting a skilled worker’s Express Entry permanent residence application.