LMIA Overview

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers may need before hiring foreign workers. The LMIA ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

What is an LMIA?

An LMIA is an assessment provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine if a job position can be filled by a foreign worker without affecting the employment opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. A positive LMIA, also known as a confirmation letter, allows an employer to proceed with hiring a foreign national.

Why Do Employers Need an LMIA?

Employers must obtain an LMIA to prove that no suitable Canadian candidate is available for the job, making it necessary to hire a foreign worker. This process safeguards the Canadian job market and ensures that Canadian workers are prioritized. A positive LMIA is essential for the foreign worker’s work permit application.

LMIA Application Process

Applying for an LMIA involves several steps:

1. Job Advertising: Employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents by posting job ads on various platforms for a specified duration.
2. Document Preparation: Employers need to provide details about the job offer, wages, working conditions, and recruitment efforts.
3. Application Submission: The completed LMIA application is submitted to ESDC for review.
4. ESDC Review: The government evaluates whether hiring a foreign worker is necessary based on the application.

Once a positive LMIA is obtained, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit to legally work in Canada.