LMIA & Work Permits
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Work Permit is an employer-specific work permit that allows you to work in Canada. You will be allowed to work with a specific employer and follow other work permit conditions, such as how long you can work and the particular location you can work (if applicable).
Key Highlights About The Program
Under this program, Canadian employers are allowed to hire temporary foreign nationals to meet their labor needs. Most employers need an LMIA before hiring a temporary foreign worker, and most foreign nationals need an LMIA work permit to work in Canada. An LMIA indicates that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to do a particular job and, therefore, a need to hire a temporary foreign worker. Before the employer can hire a temporary foreign national through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), certain steps must be taken to obtain a positive LMIA from the Employment and Social Development Canada.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Your employer must get a positive LMIA.
- You must prove to a visa officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- You must show that you have sufficient funds for yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada.
- You must be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity and not be a security risk.
- You must be in good health.
- You must not plan to work for an employer on the “ineligible” status list.
- You must not plan to work for an employer who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Program Specific Data Analysis
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. If LMIA is required, the employer must send an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The employer must comply with the Program requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the position being filled.
List of requirements
- Pay the processing fee of $1000
- Proof of business legitimacy
- Proof of recruitment activities and advertisement
- Transition plan for hiring temporary foreign workers in high-wage positions
- Offer wages to temporary foreign workers similar to wages paid to Canadian and permanent resident employees hired with the same criteria.
- Job duties and working conditions must correspond to the occupation they were hired for Ensure workplace safety
- Employment contract