LMIA Work Permits

Canada has a diverse job market that provides foreign workers with the opportunity to work while spending time in the country. Many of these employment opportunities require you to obtain a work permit.

Depending on the work permit you are required to possess, you will often find that a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) must be completed before the permit will be issued. This is a requirement of the Canadian government that ensures no qualified citizen or permanent resident of Canada is available to fill the position before consideration is given to a foreign worker.  A confirmation letter of this assessment is required for your permit issuance, you will need to obtain a copy from the hiring employer.

Are you looking for an LMIA?

At Canadian Immigration Group, we can help. Contact us today.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Considerations

When reviewing a Labour Market Impact Assessment, the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) analyzes a variety of factors and elements of the application. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Consistency in salary offered to temporary foreign workers based on the location and type of position
• Working conditions that are consistent with labour laws and collective bargaining agreements
• Labour shortages for the type of occupation and location of the job position
• Labour disputes being experienced within the company or industry
• Efforts on the part of the company to recruit qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• The ability of a foreign worker to add expertise or unique skill sets to the position they will fill
• Employment creation or job retention hiring an international worker will add for Canadian citizens
• Status of the foreign worker within the company including factors such as the salary and working hours

Once the ESDC completes this assessment, they will send a copy of the decision to the employer.

Important Time Frames and Fees Related to an LMIA

When you are applying for job positions that are classified as being in high demand, are within the top 10-percent of wage earnings level, or have a short duration, the ESDC will often process the Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA and provide you with a decision within 10 days. Otherwise, typical processing times range from 2 weeks to 6 months.

LMIA’s have an expiry date. It is the responsibility for the employee to apply for the respective work permit prior. If the employee wishes to extend their work permit, in most cases, another LMIA is required.

The employer or the third party representative on file is responsible for paying a fee of $1,000 to the government for the LMIA. The fee is per position and cannot be recovered from the employee.

At Canadian Immigration Group, we work with you to ensure that all LMIA applications are properly submitted.  Contact us today to learn more.

LMIA Exempt Opportunities

Not all jobs that give you the opportunity to work in Canada require an LMIA by the ESDC. Certain individuals and positions are available through open work permits that the Canadian government can issue.

While the guidelines of each type of permit can be complicated to understand, Canadian Immigration Group can get you the facts and services you need.

For more information, contact Canadian Immigration Group online today, or by phone at (780) 444-2844 or toll-free at (855) 944-2844.