Start Your LMIA Process to Hire Foreign Workers Today!
Find out how you could obtain LMIA to Allow Foreign Workers to Work in Canada. A Closed Work Permit allows you to work and gain Canadian experience in any employer of your choice in Canada and possibly obtain PR Status.
What is LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) and How do I apply for an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that employers in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position, and that no qualified Canadian worker is available for the job.
Would you like to check your eligibility for the LMIA process in Canada?
What are the LMIA Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for a LMIA Employer and TFW, must have:
- The process of applying for an LMIA differs for high-wage foreign workers and low-wage foreign workers. Temporary foreign workers being paid under the median wage according to the province or territory that they are residing in are considered low-wage workers.
- If the foreign workers are being paid at or above that province or territory’s median wage, then they would be considered high-wage workers.
- Employers submitting LMIA applications for low-wage workers must meet additional requirements: Meet the capacity limit on hiring temporary foreign workers Provide adequate transportation to and from Canada Provide adequate housing during the period of employment.
- There is also a process to apply for a LMIA to support temporary foreign workers for permanent residency.
- This is known as a Dual Intent LMIA and temporary foreign workers can benefit from additional job offer points to be used for their Express Entry permanent residence application. This can be done for applicants both in and outside the country. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires employers to apply for a LMIA 6 months before the date of employment.
The application process for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) varies depending on whether the foreign worker is classified as a high-wage or low-wage worker.
Foreign workers earning less than the median wage for their province or territory are considered low-wage workers. Those earning at or above the median wage are classified as high-wage workers.
When applying for an LMIA for low-wage workers, employers must meet additional requirements, including:
- Adhering to the capacity limits for hiring temporary foreign workers
- Providing adequate transportation to and from Canada
- Ensuring suitable housing during the employment period
There is also a process for applying for a special LMIA to support temporary foreign workers seeking permanent residency. Known as a Dual Intent LMIA, this allows workers to earn additional points for a job offer, which can help with their Express Entry permanent residency application. This can be done for applicants both inside and outside of Canada.
Employers participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must apply for an LMIA at least six months before the intended start date of employment.
Start your Process Today by Completing the Online Assessment Form.
An LMIA is valid for a period of 6 months from the day of issuance.
Yes, if you want to extend your work permit in Canada, then your employer needs to apply for a new LMIA from the ESDC.
Closed Work Permit for LMIA is employer restricted work permit provided to TFW for usually 1-3 years. It may be extended.
The deadline for submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application is typically six months before the intended employment start date for the foreign worker.
This means that employers must submit their LMIA application at least six months in advance to ensure sufficient time for processing, which can vary depending on the type of LMIA and the specifics of the application.
It's a good idea to submit the LMIA application well before the six-month mark to account for any potential delays or additional requirements.
When applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), employers are required to submit various documents to demonstrate their need for a foreign worker and their compliance with Canadian immigration and labor laws. The specific documents required can vary depending on the type of LMIA (e.g., high-wage vs. low-wage, or a Dual Intent LMIA), but the following are generally required:
1. Employer Compliance Documents
- Proof of business legitimacy: This could include your business registration, Articles of Incorporation, or a business license to show that your company is legally operating in Canada.
- Employer’s CRA business number: A valid Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Workplace Health and Safety Information: Documentation confirming that the business complies with workplace health and safety standards in the province or territory.
- Proof of recruitment efforts: You must show that you made genuine efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents before seeking a foreign worker. This includes:
- Job postings and advertisements (e.g., the duration and platforms used)
- Records of interviews and selection process
- Copies of any applications received
2. Job Offer and Employment Details
- Job description: A detailed description of the job duties, required qualifications, and skill levels.
- Offer of employment letter: The official job offer to the foreign worker, outlining job title, salary, working conditions, hours, and other essential details.
- Employment contract (if available): A signed agreement between the employer and the foreign worker.
3. Workplace and Employment Conditions
- Wages and salary information: Proof of the wage being offered to the foreign worker, including any documentation to show that it meets the provincial/territorial wage standards.
- Accommodation details (for low-wage workers): If you plan to provide housing for the foreign worker, you may need to include details of the accommodation.
- Transportation arrangements (for low-wage workers): Evidence that the employer will provide transportation to and from Canada if required.
4. Foreign Worker Information
- Foreign worker's resume and qualifications: Including education, work experience, and relevant certifications to prove they meet the job requirements.
- Proof of the foreign worker’s identity: A copy of the worker's passport or national identity card.
5. Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Dual Intent LMIA (for permanent residency applicants): If applying for a Dual Intent LMIA (for workers seeking permanent residency), additional documents are required, such as proof that the worker is in the process of applying for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment for an LMIA-exempt worker (e.g., intra-company transfer): In some cases, supporting documentation may be needed to justify the LMIA-exempt nature of the job offer.
- Proof of compliance with additional requirements for low-wage workers: If the foreign worker will be classified as low-wage (earning below the provincial/territorial median wage), you must submit:
- Evidence of compliance with capacity limits on hiring temporary foreign workers
- Housing and transportation plans
6. Application Forms
- Completed LMIA application forms: The appropriate form(s) for the LMIA, available from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or Service Canada.
- Processing fee payment: Payment for the LMIA processing fee (if applicable).
7. Other Supporting Documents (if applicable)
- Provincial Labour Market Opinion (LMO): In some cases, a provincial government may require additional documentation to support your LMIA application.
- Proof of Business Financial Stability: Depending on the type of application, you may need to provide financial statements or tax filings to show that your business can support the wages and working conditions of the foreign worker.
Our Clients
