LMIA or Labor Market Impact Assessment is a document a Canadian employer requires before hiring an international worker. Positive LMIAs demonstrate that there is a requirement for a foreign worker to fill the position.
Moreover, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. Positive LMIAs are often called confirmation letters.
Employers should apply for LMIAs if they are needed. The employee can file a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA.
A worker needs the following documents in order to submit an application for a work permit:
• An offer letter for the job
• An agreement
• LMIA number
• A copy of the LMIA
Most employers need to get an LMIA before hiring a temporary foreign worker. You need to confirm whether you require an LMIA before you begin the hiring procedure.
An LMIA reaffirms
• The requirement of a temporary foreign worker
• There are no available Canadians or permanent residents for the position
Do any of the following to check if you and the temporary foreign worker you wish to hire are exempt from requiring an LMIA or work permit:
• study the work permit exemptions and LMIA exemption codes
o Depending on your hiring scenario, choose the LMIA exemption and work permit code that seems to make the most sense. Then, read the detailed description.
o If the exemption code is applicable for you, you must specify it in your employment offer.
• Reach out to the IMWU or International Mobility Workers Unit if you are planning to hire a foreign worker (on a temporary basis) who is currently residing in a country outside Canada whose citizens are visa-exempt.
You’ll get an LMIA from the Employment and Social Development department or ESDC of the Canadian Government. The procedure for LMIA application depends on the program type. You can use an LMIA for hiring:
• Low-wage workers
• High-wage workers
• Workers through Agricultural Stream
• Workers through Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
• It allows an international applicant or worker to get a permit and work in Canada.
• The government has a major role to play in the process, as it issues positive or negative Labor Market Impact Assessment to the employer.