LMIA

The following guide is for jobs that require a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) before applying for a Work Permit

In most cases, employers are required to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before they can hire foreign workers  (see exemptions including NAFTA and GATS). In order to obtain a positive LMIA, a Canadian employer must prove that there is no Canadian or permanent resident worker available to complete the job in question and a foreign worker is therefore required.

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LMIA applications should show the following:

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• Efforts made to recruit available Canadian citizens/permanent residents

• Wages offered for the position are consistent with the prevailing wage rate paid to Canadians/permanent residents in the same occupation in the region

• Working conditions for the occupation meets the current provincial labour market standards

• Any potential benefits that hiring a foreign worker might bring to the Canadian labour market, such as the creation of new jobs or the transfer of skills and knowledge

• Transition plans will be required for high-wage positions whereby employers must demonstrate increased efforts to hire Canadians in the long-term.

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The positive LMIA is provided to the foreign worker to submit with his/her application for a work permit, which is typically issued for one year if granted.

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