Everything You Must Know Before Applying for an LMIA

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) addresses labor shortages. Employers submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to assess its impact on the Canadian labor market. The process varies for “high-wage” and “low-wage” classifications, considering factors like salary, benefits, and prioritizing qualified Canadians for the job. To get a positive LMIA about foreign workers for your company, contact an immigration expert in Surrey.

LMIA Application – What is That?

Employers can apply for an LMIA six months before the intended start date. Procedures differ based on the employee’s wage. Check provincial median wages to classify as high or low-wage. Low-wage positions have extra criteria. Specialized streams exist for specific employment areas. These include:

Hiring In-Home Caregivers
Hiring Agricultural Workers
Hiring Foreign Academics
Hiring within the province of Quebec

How Canada Makes Decisions Regarding LMIA Application?

ESDC or Employment and Social Development Canada decides on LMIA issuance, shared with IRCC. IRCC informs the employer. ESDC considers the impact on the labor market, offered wages, Canadian availability, knowledge transfer, and job creation when making LMIA decisions in Surrey.

What are the Requirements?

LMIA applications are sent by mail to the Service Canada Processing Centre.

Criteria evidence required:

$1000 processing fee (non-refundable).
Business legitimacy documents.
Transition plan showing intent to hire Canadians.
Proof of substantial recruitment efforts for locals.
TFWs wage information for distinction.
Workplace safety assurance with equivalent insurance to local standards.

Who Can Apply for an LMIA in Canada?

Any Canadian employer seeking foreign workers can apply for an LMIA if no Canadian is available. This applies to all businesses, big or small. Eligibility requires proving an immediate need for hiring and the financial capacity to pay the worker. Foreign workers needing a work permit must have a positive LMIA from their employer, except for exceptions like the International Mobility Program. Check eligibility by filling out the form.

What Happens After LMIA is Approved?

LMIA decisions can be positive or negative. Positive LMIAs are valid for six months. Employers must inform the foreign worker after a positive LMIA to proceed with work permit or permanent residence applications. In some cases, expedited processing in 10 days is possible for certain conditions, like highest wage positions, skilled trades, short-term positions, or assisting an Express Entry candidate.

Contact Us!

If you want to know more about the LMIA process and hire foreign skilled workers quickly, contact us at 22 Immigration in Surrey.