Labour Market Impact Assessment
LMIA stands for “Labour Market Impact Assessment”, which is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain before they can hire a foreign worker to work in Canada. An LMIA is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is intended to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not hurt the Canadian labor market.
To apply for an LMIA, the Canadian employer must demonstrate that they have made efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position but have been unsuccessful. The employer must also demonstrate that they will offer wages and working conditions that are comparable to those offered to Canadian workers in the same occupation and geographic location.
The LMIA application process can be lengthy and requires the employer to provide detailed information about the job vacancy, including the job description, required qualifications, and proposed wages and benefits. The employer must also advertise the job vacancy in various sources for a specified time to demonstrate that they have made efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents.
If the LMIA application is approved, the Canadian employer will receive a positive LMIA, which they can use to support the foreign worker’s work permit application. A positive LMIA does not guarantee that the work permit application will be approved, but it is an important factor that immigration officers consider when assessing the application.
Employers submit an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), providing information about the job offer and the foreign worker, and demonstrating that there is a need for the foreign worker that cannot be filled by a Canadian worker.
When applying for an LMIA, you must provide documents to prove your identity and provide other documents.
After submission, ESDC will then review the application and decide on the issuance of the LMIA.
If the LMIA is issued, the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- You must be a spouse of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must have valid immigration status in Canada, either as a visitor, student, or temporary worker.
- You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- You must provide proof of your relationship with your Canadian spouse.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to work in the job you are applying for.
- You must meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration authorities.
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENT
- Proof of your valid status in Canada, such as a study permit, visitor record, or work permit.
- Proof of marriage or common-law relationships, such as a marriage certificate or a letter from your spouse or common-law partner.
- Proof of your spouse or common-law partner’s valid status in Canada.
- A copy of your valid passport.
- Proof of financial support, if applicable.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- A completed application form, including the application fee.
- Any other documents that may be required by the visa office processing your application.