LMIA
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document in the Canadian immigration system that assesses the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian labour market. This assessment ensures that hiring foreign workers won't negatively affect job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. An approved LMIA demonstrates that there's a genuine need for foreign talent to fill specific job positions and that no qualified Canadians are available for the role. It's an essential step in facilitating legal and efficient labour migration to Canada and is often required as part of the application process for obtaining a work permit in Canada.
Most employers need an LMIA before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. Before you start the hiring process, you must determine if you need an LMIA.
An LMIA confirms
- there is a need for a temporary foreign worker
- no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job
You’ll need an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA application process depends on the type of program you’re hiring through.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets you hire temporary foreign workers to fill labour and skill shortages.
Once an LMIA has been issued, you should provide a copy of the confirmation letter to each temporary foreign worker and tell each of them to apply for a work permit.