LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

An LMiA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a crucial step for employers in Canada who wish to hire foreign workers for specific job positions. It is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.

To obtain an LMiA, the employer must demonstrate that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position. They must also prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of Canadian workers in similar roles.

Once the employer receives a positive LMiA, the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit will be issued if the worker meets all the other immigration requirements.

It’s important to note that immigration policies and procedures can change over time, so it’s always best to refer to the official Canadian government websites or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date information.

Requirements:

As of my last update in September 2021, the requirements for obtaining an LMiA and work permit in Canada are as follows:

1. Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer willing to support your work permit application.
2. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMiA): Your employer needs to apply for an LMiA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to show that there are no available Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the job position.
3. Work Permit Application: After the employer receives a positive LMiA, you can apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to provide the LMiA number in your application.
4. Proof of Qualifications: You may need to demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications, education, and work experience required for the job.
5. Language Proficiency: Depending on the job, you might need to prove your proficiency in either English or French.
6. Medical Examination: In some cases, you might need to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are in good health.
7. Criminal Record Check: You may be required to submit a police clearance certificate to show no criminal record.

Please be aware that these requirements might have changed.