LMIA Application for Employers In Canada
An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. The employer must submit a complete application including a job offer and supporting documentation to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If the application is approved, ESDC will issue an LMIA which will allow the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.
The purpose of the LMIA is to protect Canadian workers by ensuring that foreign workers are only brought in when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met by Canadians. The process also allows employers to access a larger pool of potential employees and helps foreign workers come to Canada to work temporarily in positions that help fill gaps in Canada’s labour market.
Who Needs LMIA?
If you are an employer in Canada and want to hire a foreign worker, you may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that allows the employer to bring in a foreign worker to fill a position that they were not able to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for. The process of obtaining an LMIA can be complex, so it is important to seek the help of an Immigration Consultant in Edmonton.
Who Can Apply For LMIA?
Employers who want to hire a foreign worker may need to obtain an LMIA. There are two exceptions where an employer would not need an LMIA:
- if the foreign worker is already exempt from the LMIA requirements (e.g. Intra-company Transferees, NAFTA Professionals)
- if the foreign worker is applying for a work permit under the Provincial Nominee Program or another program that does not require an LMIA
In order to apply for an LMIA, employers must submit a complete application including a job offer and supporting documentation to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The job offer must be for a full-time, permanent position.
The employer must also demonstrate that they have made every effort to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position, but were unable to find a qualified candidate. ESDC will assess the employer’s application to make sure that the foreign worker is only being hired as a last resort.
If the application is approved, ESDC will issue an LMIA which will allow the foreign worker to apply for a work permit. The work permit will be valid for the same length of time as the LMIA, up to a maximum of four years. After four years, the foreign worker will need to apply for a new LMIA if they want to continue working in Canada.
The following types of positions are exempt from the LMIA requirements:
- Intra-company Transferees
- NAFTA Professionals
- International Students with a valid work permit
- Spousal Sponsorships
- Live-in Caregivers
There are multiple things that ESDC considers while evaluating the application.
- The working condition that the foreign national will be offered is comparable to that of the country’s current work standard and labour regulations.
- The salary offered to a foreign national is comparable to the average for similar employment in the region.
- What influence will the foreign worker have on the country’s employment situation?
- What impact will the foreign national have on employment in the region?
Applying for an LMIA can be a complex process. Therefore, you need Immigration Consultants in Edmonton who can help you through the entire process. At Choice Immigration, we have a team of experienced and qualified consultants who can help you every step of the way. Contact Choice Immigration today for more information.
