A LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment is a crucial document that the Canadian Government issues to evaluate the effects of hiring foreign workers on the local labor market. In most cases, it is mandatory for foreign workers to obtain this assessment if they wish to work in Canada for a limited period under their Canadian employer.

The primary objective of LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment is to safeguard the Canadian labor market. It is imperative because the Canadian government desires to ensure that foreign workers are not taking away job opportunities from the local citizens or permanent residents. The process aims to determine if there is an inadequacy of competent Canadian workers for a particular job and if hiring a foreign worker is unavoidable.

To obtain an LMIA, the Canadian employer must advertise the position for a minimum of four weeks on various platforms, including the Federal Job Bank. Then they need to submit an LMIA application, along with the required fees, to Service Canada. The application contains essential details such as the job offer, the employer, and the foreign worker. Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit to work in Canada.

It is essential to comply with the rules and regulations of each program stream established by Service Canada. The government distinguishes between High Wage and Low Wage applications for its LMIA streams, and each category has its own specific guidelines concerning advertising, employer-provided travel expenses repayment, and affordable housing for the workers.

Although the LMIA process may seem daunting initially, it is relatively easy if the employer follows the program requirements established by the government. In our experience, LMIA applications are often successful if the employer carries out due diligence while preparing the application.

HR Departments and businesses in Canada can benefit from engaging a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to prepare their LMIA applications and avoid a refusal based on non-compliance with program rules established by Service Canada.

Canada4U Immigration Services has been helping its customers process LMIA applications on their behalf and helping them in hiring the foreign workers for many years. If you have any questions or need assistance please reach out to us.