Canada Work Permit Visa
LMIA Approved Work Permit
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial document for foreign workers seeking employment in Canada.
It is an official letter issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that plays a pivotal role in the temporary foreign worker hiring process.
Understanding LMIA Work Permits
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an official document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers.
The assessment confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position, and hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s labor market.
Key Features of LMIA Work Permits
- Initial validity period of up to 2 years
- Option for extension based on employer needs
- Pathway to permanent residency through work experience
- Spouse/partner eligible for open work permit
- Children eligible for study permits
Types of LMIA Work Permits
Years Experience
LMIA Application Process
The LMIA application process involves several steps and requirements that both employers and workers must meet. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the process:
For Employers
Recruitment Requirements
- • Advertise the position on Canada Job Bank for a minimum 4 weeks
- • Use at least two additional recruitment methods
- • Document all recruitment efforts and responses
- • Maintain records of Canadian applicants and interview results
- • Demonstrate why Canadian candidates were not suitable
Application Submission
- • Complete LMIA application form
- • Pay application fee ($1,000 per position)
- • Submit the required documentation
- • Provide detailed business information
- • Include employment contract
Supporting Documents
- • Business registration/license
- • T4 Summary of payroll information
- • Financial statements
- • Provincial business number
- • Previous recruitment records
- • Transition plan (for high-wage positions)
LMIA Processing Time and Fees
Standard Processing
• Regular processing takes 8-10 weeks, varying by:
- • Type of position (high-wage/low-wage)
- • Province or territory
- • Completeness of application
- • Current application volume
- • Industry sector
Global Talent Stream
- • 10 business day processing
- • Additional compliance requirements
- • Higher priority handling
- • Dedicated account manager
Fee Structure
- • Standard LMIA: $1,000 per position
- • Global Talent Stream: $1,000 per position
- • Agricultural workers: Fee exempt
- • Primary agriculture: Fee exempt
- • In-home caregivers: $1,000 per position
Employer Requirements for LMIA
Workplace Standards
• Canadian employers must maintain specific standards when hiring through LMIA:
- • Offer wages matching Canadian standards
- • Provide safe working conditions
- • Follow provincial/territorial labor laws
- • Maintain proper payroll records
- • Ensure workplace insurance coverage
- • Register with workplace safety boards
- • Submit regular compliance reports
Business Requirements
- • Active business operations
- • Financial stability proof
- • Genuine labor shortage evidence
- • Compliance with federal/provincial laws
- • Good standing with regulatory bodies
Employment Contract Terms
- • Clear job description
- • Work schedule details
- • Salary and benefits
- • Vacation entitlements
- • Termination conditions
- • Healthcare coverage details
- • Transportation arrangements (if applicable)
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LMIA Work Permit Benefits
The LMIA-based work permit offers several advantages for both skilled and semi-skilled workers:
Years Experience
LMIA Application Requirements
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LMIA Success Factors:
Critical Elements for Approval:
• Complete and accurate application
• Strong business case
• Clear labor shortage evidence
• Competitive wage offers
• Detailed recruitment efforts
• Proper documentation
• Compliance with program requirements
LMIA Exempt Categories
Trade Agreements
- CUSMA (former NAFTA) professionals
- CETA participants from EU countries
- CPTPP member country workers
- International agreements participants
Special Programs
- Post-graduation work permit holders
- Intra-company transferees
- Academic researchers
- Charitable/religious workers
- Significant benefit workers
Application Process for LMIA Jobs
Job Search
• Review LMIA-approved employer listings • Check Canada Job Bank postings • Connect with licensed recruitment agencies • Research companies with positive LMIA history • Verify employer legitimacy
STEP 1
Pre-Application Phase
• Obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer • Verify position meets LMIA criteria • Confirm wage rates match Canadian standards • Review employment contract details • Prepare required documentation
STEP 2
LMIA Processing
• Employer submits LMIA application• Service Canada reviews application• Assessment of labor market impact• Verification of recruitment efforts• Decision on LMIA application
STEP 3
Work Permit Application
• Receive positive LMIA from employer• Submit a work permit application• Include supporting documents• Pay application fees• Await processing decision
STEP 4
LMIA Compliance and Monitoring
Employer Obligations:
Canadian employers must maintain specific standards throughout the employment period:
• Regular compliance reporting
• Accurate payroll records
• Workplace inspection readiness
• Employment conditions maintenance
• Worker rights protection
• Housing standards (if applicable)
• Transportation arrangements (when required)
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an official document from Employment and Social Development Canada that verifies the need to hire a foreign worker and confirms the unavailability of Canadian workers for the position.
Standard processing takes 8-10 weeks. Global Talent Stream applications are processed in 10 business days. Processing times vary based on the position type and application completeness
Required documents include:
• Business registration/license
• Financial statements
• Job posting advertisements
• Recruitment records
• Employment contract
• Business tax documents
• Transition plan (for high-wage positions)
International students cannot apply for LMIA directly. However, after graduation, they can work through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, which is LMIA-exempt.
The standard LMIA application fee is $1,000 per position. Some categories like agricultural workers are fee-exempt.
Employers must:
• Conduct proper recruitment efforts
• Offer prevailing wages
• Provide required documentation
• Maintain compliance with labor laws
• Ensure proper working conditions
LMIA jobs can be found through:
• Canada Job Bank
• Licensed recruitment agencies
• Company career pages
• Professional networks
• Industry-specific job boards
Yes, except for agricultural stream workers, IELTS or other approved language tests are required to demonstrate English or French proficiency.
After LMIA approval:
• Employer receives confirmation letter
• Worker applies for a work permit
• Supporting document submission
• Work permit processing begins
Yes, LMIAs can be extended through a new application process before the current LMIA expires.
There's no strict limit on LMIA applications per year. However, employers must demonstrate genuine labor needs and maintain a good compliance record.
Service Canada:
• Reviews LMIA applications
• Assesses labor market impact
• Verifies employer compliance
• Issues LMIA decisions
• Conducts workplace inspections
The Global Talent Stream offers:
• 10-day processing
• Simplified application process
• Category A: High-growth companies
• Category B: In-demand occupations
• Labor market benefits plan requirement
For caregiver positions:
• Find an employer needing caregiving services
• Ensure qualifications match requirements
• Verify the employer's LMIA application
• Prepare necessary documentation
• Meet language requirements
A dual-intent LMIA supports both:
• Temporary work permit application
• Permanent residence application
Allowing workers to pursue both temporary and permanent status
LMIA work experience can lead to PR through:
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Other economic immigration programs
A valid job offer with LMIA adds:
• 50 points for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 positions
• 200 points for senior executive positions
To Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System
High-wage stream:
• Wages at/above median hourly rate
• Transition plan required
• Faster processing possible
Low-wage stream:
• Wages below median hourly rate
• Additional employer obligations
• Housing/transportation requirements
• Standard validity: 6 months from issue date
• Must apply for work permit during validity
• Extensions require new LMIA application
• Some streams have different validity periods
- No, LMIAs are:
• Employer-specific
• Position-specific
• Location-specific
New employer requires new LMIA application