LMIA Work Permit
Labour Market Impact Assessment: The Key to Hiring Global Talent.
What is a Canada LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assessing the impact of hiring a foreign national in Canada.
Positive LMIA
Indicates no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
Negative LMIA
Indicates the position should be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Get Hired With Ease
It is possible to hire a foreign worker who is exempt from needing an LMIA, or who is exempt from requiring a work permit in specific cases.
Unlock Employment
All streams of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) require that an employer obtain an LMIA to hire talent from outside Canada.
Boost Express Entry
A positive LMIA can add significant points (50 or 200) to your Express Entry profile, greatly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
Popular Job Roles
The job titles generally in demand in Canada requiring an LMIA vary by sector. Common occupations include:
The Process of LMIA
Employer Application
A foreign national cannot apply for an LMIA directly. It must be applied for by a Canadian employer. Applications can be submitted as early as 6 months prior to the start date.
Wage Categories
Employers must determine if the position is "High-wage" or "Low-wage" based on the provincial median. Low-wage positions require meeting additional criteria (e.g., housing, transportation).
Recruitment Efforts
Before applying, employers usually must prove they have advertised the job across Canada and could not find a qualified local candidate.
How Visara Can Help
Navigating the LMIA process is complex for both employers and workers. We assist Canadian employers in preparing compliant applications and help workers identify valid job offers.
- Assessment of High/Low Wage Streams
- Guidance on Recruitment Requirements
- Work Permit Application upon Approval