What is an LMIA?

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that Canadian employers need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA means that the employer has proven there is a need for a foreign worker because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job. Canada requires a significantly greater number of trained and semi-skilled laborers than it currently has. This positive LMIA is also called a confirmation letter.

Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are a workforce that numerous Canadian businesses utilize. The Canadian government relies on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) method to monitor this. The LMIA was issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

LMIA plays a crucial role in hiring foreign workers. Before allowing a company to employ an individual from another country, the LMIA ensures that all efforts have been made to hire Canadians or permanent residents. The objective is to ensure that the Canadian population is assisted while simultaneously addressing the genuine requirements of foreign workers in specific regions.

How the LMIA and Work Permit Process Works for Foreign Workers

Employer Applies for LMIA

The first step is for the Canadian employer to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document proves there is a need for a foreign worker because no suitable Canadian is available for the job.

LMIA Approval (Takes About 3 Months)

It usually takes around three months for the LMIA to be processed and approved by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Job Offer Issued

Once the LMIA is approved, the employer can officially issue a job offer to the foreign worker.

Applying for a Visa and Work Permit

With the approved LMIA and job offer, the worker can apply for an entry visa and work permit. It’s highly recommended to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to help the application accurately.

Visa Approval and Passport Submission

If the visa application is approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the worker will receive an invitation to submit their passport to the nearest Canadian Embassy for visa stamping.

Job Offers for Foreign Candidates in Canada

Foreign candidates can find job opportunities in Canada under various residency statuses:

1. Outside of Canada: Apply for jobs through programs like Express Entry or directly to employers. Job offers can help with work permits or PR applications.
2. In Canada (Temporary Residents): With a valid work permit, candidates can seek employment, including under programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
3. In Canada (Without Work Permit): Employers may sponsor candidates through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), enabling them to obtain a work permit.

LMIA-Based Work Permits

The LMIA program is one of the best, fastest, and most affordable ways to immigrate to Canada. That’s why we’ll focus on finding LMIA-approved job opportunities online to help you get started.

Getting LMIA-based work permits includes a two-step process:

Step 1: Application for an LMIA

The foremost step to get an LMIA includes applying to ESDC for an LMIA. The potential employer applies to Service Canada for an LMIA. Here, the goal is to prove the authentic need for a foreign workforce. The real reason behind the foreign workforce is the unavailability of Canadian workers for the job role. A positive LMIA indicates that recruiting a foreign employee for dedicated work and location results is positive. It provokes a neutral effect on the Canadian labor market.

Step 2: Application for a Work Permit

After an employer gets a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), the next step is to apply for a work permit. A work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is required for a business to obtain a favorable Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is associated with the LMIA and must satisfy the job specifications. The work permit registration must be submitted before LMIA expiration, as it is only valid for a limited period.

IRCC processes the application, even if the LMIA concludes during the review procedure. This procedure ensures that all Canadians have equitable employment opportunities.

LMIA categorizing Work Permit:

Companies and foreign workers need to understand how work permits work in Canada. The National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER system is linked to these clearances. This method divides jobs into two groups: skilled work and semi-skilled work.

A skilled job demands specialized skills, knowledge, and schooling to qualify. These jobs are available in the trades, technology, health care, and banking sectors. Furthermore, these roles offer career growth and better pay.

Semi-skilled jobs usually do not require formal education. Usually, these jobs are available in retail, customer service, and simple office work. These positions provide experience and a path to more skilled roles.

Changes in the economy and new technologies can cause the job market in Canada to move around. An essential reason for changing immigration rules is when there aren’t enough qualified workers. You can narrow your job search by learning about these types of jobs. Moreover, you find your dream job.

Skilled Work Permits

The jobs that need skilled work permits need specialized skills or training. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER system is the basis :

• TEER 0 has jobs for managers.
• TEER 1 is for jobs that need a college degree.
• For TEER 2 work, you need a college degree, an apprenticeship that lasts at least two years, or a supervisory position.
• For TEER 3, you need a college degree, an internship that lasts less than two years, or six months or more of training on the job.

Foreigners must have a job offer in one of these groups and meet language requirements to get a skilled work permit.

These permits help Canada get skilled workers. It is a plus point for the business.

Semi-Skilled Work Permits

Canada’s economy relies on semi-skilled workers who do important jobs in places where there aren’t enough workers. Semi-skilled work permits are for occupations defined by the TEER system in the NOC.

• TEER 4 includes jobs that require a high school diploma or specific training. Often, these jobs need some secondary schooling or on-the-job training.
• TEER 5 focuses on physical or manual work and learning on the job for jobs that require a lot of hard work but little formal schooling.

For all semi-skilled passes except agriculture, you need to be able to speak English or French well.

Employers must write up a detailed employment contract that spells out the tasks, hours, pay, and other terms of the job. These licenses help fill jobs in essential areas of Canada’s economy.

To get an LMIA-based work permit, you must meet the job standards and make it clear that you plan to return home. A good LMIA is an important step, but it’s also essential that you deal with these issues correctly for your application.