Labor Market Impact Assessment
What is Labor Market Impact Assessment ?
A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. An LMIA is a requirement for most Canadian work permit applications unless the job offer is exempt.
To obtain an LMIA, the Canadian employer must demonstrate that they have made efforts to hire Canadian citizens and permanent residents first, but have been unable to find a suitable candidate. They must also provide details about the job, such as the wages and working conditions, and explain why the foreign worker is needed to fill the position.
ESDC will review the application and assess whether hiring foreign workers will have a positive or negative impact on the Canadian labor market. Factors that may be considered include the unemployment rate, the job market in the relevant region or industry, and the skills and experience of the foreign worker.
If the LMIA is approved, the Canadian employer will receive a positive LMIA, which can then be used by the foreign worker to apply for a Canadian work permit. However, if the LMIA is refused, the foreign worker will not be eligible for a work permit.
It’s important to note that some job offers may be exempt from the LMIA requirement, such as certain intra-company transfers, international agreements, and certain categories of temporary workers. It’s important to check the eligibility requirements for your specific situation.
To apply for a work permit in Canada, a foreign worker typically needs the following:
- A job offer from a Canadian employer:
The job offer must be genuine and meet certain requirements, such as offering wages and working conditions that are similar to those offered to Canadian workers in the same occupation.
- A positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):
In most cases, the Canadian employer must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.
- A work permit application:
The foreign worker must submit a work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application must include the job offer and any necessary supporting documents, such as the LMIA and proof of qualifications.
- Proof of eligibility:
The foreign worker must demonstrate that they are eligible to work in Canada, such as by meeting the education or experience requirements for the job, and by being admissible to Canada (i.e. not inadmissible for reasons such as criminality or medical issues).
- Biometrics and medical exams:
Depending on the worker’s country of origin and the length of their stay in Canada, they may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and undergo a medical exam.
Once the work permit application is approved, the worker will receive a work permit that specifies the duration and conditions of their stay in Canada.