LMIA stands for “Labour Market Impact Assessment.” It’s a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada that serves as proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a specific job position in Canada. Canadian employers typically need to obtain an LMIA before they can hire a foreign worker.
The purpose of the LMIA process is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. Depending on the job to be held, the location, etc., the employer may be required to demonstrate that recruitment efforts have taken place and various requirements may apply depending on the salary awarded.
Depending on the regulations in force, employers may be exempt from having to obtain an LMIA before being able to hire a foreign worker. If the position is to be filled in Quebec, the decision for the LMIA is made by both levels of government simultaneously.
Once we have taken care of the LMIA to be issued, that is normally between 1-3 months before getting the approval, we apply for the specific work permit (linked to one employer) for the foreign national to be able to work in Canada as described in the job offer. If the job is to be located in Quebec, a certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) is normally required to be able to apply for the work permit delivered by the Canadian authorities.
There are also other types of work permits, e.g. open work permits (for spouse or dependent children and for students having completed their programs of studies); entrepreneur work permits (for investor, or start-up applicants), etc. Delays to process work permits vary on many factors but take on average around 2-3 months when applying from outside Canada and a bit longer when applying from within Canada.
