Learn more about LMIA Here.

What is Labour Market Impact Assessment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA is called a Confirmation Letter.

LMIA may be required for the Temporary Foreign Visa Program.

Foreign workers hired by the company can only apply for a work permit after the Company gets LMIA.

The employee will need the following required documentation to be able to apply for Work Permit:

• Job Offer
• Contract
• Copy of LMIA
• LMIA Number

LMIA is processed by Employee and Social Development Canada (ESDC). ESDC assesses an offer of employment to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market. Employers will be required to provide a variety of information about the position for which they want to hire a foreign worker,

ESDC will consider the following the element:

• Is the salary offered to the foreign worker consistent with the average for the occupation in the area the position is located?

• Are the working conditions consistent with labor laws and/or collective bargaining agreements?

• Is there a labor shortage for that occupation in the area the position is located?

• Is there an ongoing labor dispute in the company and/or industry?

• Has the Canadian employer undertaken recruitment efforts in order to find a Canadian to fill the position?

• Will the foreign worker be able to transfer unique skills or expertise to Canadians?

• Will hiring foreign workers help to create or retain jobs for Canadians?

• Will the foreign worker be the employee of the Canadian employer, whereby the foreign worker is expected to work on a full-time basis at a predetermined wage

ESDC will usually process LMIA in around 10 days. Each LMIA will have a $1,000 CAD for each LMIA process.