Labout Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Labour Market Assessment Application (LMIA)

LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.

  • Hire skilled foreign workers.

  • Access global candidate pool.

  • Fill high-demand, specialized positions.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

The Benefits of Getting an LMIA

Getting an LMIA can help you hire qualified and skilled foreign workers to meet your labor and skill shortages. By getting an LMIA, you can:

  • Access a larger pool of potential candidates from around the world

  • Fill positions that are in high demand or require specialized skills or experience

  • Enhance the productivity and competitiveness of your business

  • Support the economic and social development of Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Getting an LMIA

  • You are a Canadian employer who operates a legitimate business in Canada

  • You have made reasonable efforts to recruit and train Canadians or permanent residents for the job, such as advertising the job in various media and offering competitive wages and working conditions

  • You have complied with the federal and provincial laws and regulations related to employment standards, human rights, health and safety, and labor relations

  • You have submitted a complete and accurate application form and supporting documents to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Service Canada

Types of LMIAs Available

There are different types of LMIAs available, depending on the type of program you are hiring through. Some of the main types are:

  • High-wage LMIAs, which are for occupations that pay above the median hourly wage in the province or territory where the job is located

  • Low-wage LMIAs, which are for occupations that pay below the median hourly wage in the province or territory where the job is located

  • Global Talent Stream LMIAs, which are for employers who need to hire highly skilled foreign workers in occupations that are in-demand or innovative

  • Agricultural Stream LMIAs, which are for employers who need to hire foreign workers for agricultural occupations that are not covered by the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) LMIAs, which are for employers who need to hire foreign workers from certain countries for seasonal agricultural occupations

Factors Affecting the LMIA Decision

The LMIA decision is based on various factors that assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. Some of the main factors are:

  • The availability of Canadians or permanent residents who can do the job

  • The wages and working conditions offered to the foreign worker compared to those offered to Canadians or permanent residents doing the same job

  • The benefits of hiring the foreign worker for the Canadian economy, such as creating jobs, transferring skills, or filling labor shortages

  • The efforts made by the employer to recruit and train Canadians or permanent residents for the job

  • The potential negative effects of hiring the foreign worker on the Canadian labor market, such as displacing or affecting the wages of Canadians or permanent residents

Validity and Duration of an LMIA

An LMIA is valid for a specific period of time, depending on the type of LMIA and the occupation. For example:

  • A high-wage or low-wage LMIA is valid for up to six months from the date of issue

  • A Global Talent Stream LMIA is valid for up to 10 business days from the date of issue

  • An Agricultural Stream LMIA is valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue

  • A SAWP LMIA is valid for up to eight months from the date of issue

Obligations and Responsibilities of an Employer with an LMIA

As an employer with an LMIA, you have certain obligations and responsibilities that you must fulfill throughout the employment period of the foreign worker. These include:

  • Paying the foreign worker the wages and benefits as stated in your offer of employment and in accordance with federal and provincial laws and regulations

  • Providing the foreign worker with a safe and healthy work environment that meets federal and provincial standards

  • Cooperating with ESDC, Service Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in any inspections or audits related to your LMIA and work permit

  • Reporting any changes or issues that may affect your LMIA or work permit, such as changes in your business activities, contact information, or employment conditions

  • Keeping records of your recruitment and hiring activities, as well as the wages and working conditions of the foreign worker

Online Visa Process

  • Book an
    Appointment

  • Talk to our
    Consultants

  • Submit Your
    Documents

  • Get Your
    Visa Processed

  • Visa
    Approved

Book Appointment