LMIA(Labour Market Impact Assessment) Beginners Guide

LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, which is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that gives employers the permission to hire foreign workers. The purpose of the LMIA process is to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will have a positive impact on the Canadian labour market, and that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available to fill the job.

The LMIA process is divided into two categories: low-wage and high-wage. Low-wage LMIAs are for positions that pay less than the median hourly wage for a particular occupation, while high-wage LMIAs are for positions that pay more than the median hourly wage. The median hourly wage is determined by the ESDC and varies by occupation and region.

To apply for an LMIA, an employer must first advertise the job to Canadians and permanent residents, and demonstrate that no qualified candidates were found. The employer must also provide information about the job, including the duties, qualifications, and pay. The employer must also pay a fee for the LMIA, which varies depending on the type of LMIA and the number of positions being applied for.

Once the LMIA is issued, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The work permit is valid for the same length of time as the LMIA, and can be renewed if necessary.

The LMIA process can be complex and time-consuming, and employers are advised to seek professional assistance when applying. It’s also important to note that certain exceptions apply to certain employers such as those in the free trade agreement, International Mobility Program, and other specific categories, that do not require an LMIA.

It’s also worth mentioning that recently in 2020, the Canadian government implemented a new program called “Global Talent Stream” which aims to fast-track the LMIA process for highly skilled workers in certain industries such as technology, science, and engineering.

In conclusion, the LMIA process is an important tool that helps ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will have a positive impact on the Canadian labour market. It’s a process that employers must go through before hiring foreign workers, and it’s important to understand the requirements and exceptions before starting the process.

The LMIA process is a way for the Canadian government to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. This means that the government wants to ensure that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available to fill the job before granting permission to hire a foreign worker.

The process starts with the employer advertising the job to Canadians and permanent residents. The advertisement must be posted for a minimum of 4 weeks and must include the job duties, qualifications, and pay. The employer must also demonstrate that no qualified candidates were found through the advertising process.

Once the advertising is complete, the employer can apply for an LMIA. The application includes information about the job, the employer, and the foreign worker. The application also includes a fee, which varies depending on the type of LMIA and the number of positions being applied for.

The LMIA process can take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the ESDC. It’s important for employers to understand that even after the LMIA is issued, the foreign worker still needs to apply for a work permit. The work permit is valid for the same length of time as the LMIA, and can be renewed if necessary.

Another thing to keep in mind is that certain employers are exempt from the LMIA process, such as those under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the International Mobility Program (IMP). Employers who fall under these agreements may not require an LMIA to hire a foreign worker.

In addition, the Canadian government has also implemented a new program called the Global Talent Stream which aims to fast-track the LMIA process for highly skilled workers in certain industries such as technology, science, and engineering. This program allows the Canadian government to process LMIAs in as little as 2 weeks for eligible employers and positions.

It’s important for employers to understand the LMIA process and the requirements before starting the process, and to seek professional help if needed. The LMIA process can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s a necessary step for employers who want to hire foreign workers in Canada.