Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

What is an LMIA

If you are a Canadian employer who is looking to hire a foreign national to fill a position temporarily, the government may allow you to do this. However, it is important for the Canadian government to ensure Canadians have access to jobs in Canada, before those positions are filled by foreign individuals. In order to prevent foreign nationals from taking positions from Canadians who need them, the Canadian government has set the requirement for foreign nationals and their employers to obtain a labor market impact assessment (LMIA), prior to being able to obtain a work permit. Because this is such an important step, and most work permits require an LMIA, we will take the time to break down the application process, to help you prepare an application for an LMIA.

Who Needs an LMIA

Anyone coming to Canada who will obtain an employer specific work permit, and is not covered by a free trade agreement, will need to apply for an LMIA. One of the major benefits of applying for a work permit under a free trade agreement is that barriers such as an LMIA are removed. Other than that, only individuals applying for an open work permit are LMIA exempt.

Hiring Temporary Foreign Worker to Canada?

Are you an employer who wants to hire a temporary foreign worker? As you may know, you may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment before you may hire a foreign worker. If you need help determining the differences between the High-wage and Low-wage Streams, continue reading this blog. You will find useful information about which stream is best suited to your situation.

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an assessment conducted by Service Canada. You may need to obtain a positive LMIA before you may hire a temporary foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there are currently no Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are willing or available to do the job due to a temporary labour or skill shortage. With a positive LMIA and other documents, a temporary foreign worker can successfully apply for a work permit to come and work in Canada for that employer.