LMIA
LMIA (Labour Market Impact assessment)
LMIA stands for “Labour Market Impact Assessment,” and it is a crucial document in the Canadian immigration system, particularly for employers looking to hire foreign workers. To obtain an LMIA, an employer must demonstrate that there is a need to hire a foreign worker because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job. Employers need to provide details about their recruitment efforts and explain why they were unable to find a suitable Canadian candidate for the position. The LMIA process helps ensure that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact the job opportunities of Canadians and permanent residents.
If the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can use it to support their application for a work permit. It serves as evidence that the job offer is genuine and has undergone a labor market assessment. It’s important to note that some jobs and workers may be exempt from the LMIA requirement based on certain categories, such as NAFTA professionals, intra-company transferees, or individuals under international agreements.
In certain scenarios cases, foreign workers who are already working in Canada are still required to have their employers obtain an LMIA even if they are temporary residents like:
- open work permit holders,
- Individuals who are authorized to work in Canada without a work permit
- students looking out for employment with a valid status
- business visitors
This step helps a candidate to benefit from an arranged employment. Interestingly foreign nationals who wants to make Canada their home may be able to come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker sooner, while their permanent residence application is still being processed.