Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) constitutes an essential authorization procedure that Canadian employers must potentially undertake before engaging foreign workers on a temporary basis. All LMIA applications undergo review and processing through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program operated by Service Canada.
LMIA assessments serve as a critical mechanism ensuring that Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive priority consideration for available employment opportunities before employers extend offers to international workers. To obtain a positive or neutral LMIA outcome, employers must substantiate that despite implementing all necessary recruitment measures, no Canadian citizen or permanent resident meeting the specified job criteria can be located within the domestic labour market.
During the LMIA application journey, employers must meticulously outline the requirements for the position under consideration. This detailed process includes articulating job particulars such as position title, associated duties and responsibilities, remuneration structure encompassing salary and benefits, alongside the essential qualifications and professional experience expected from suitable candidates.
Employers must demonstrate committed efforts toward recruiting Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the vacant position. Substantiating evidence of such recruitment endeavours includes job advertisements, recruitment campaigns, and supplementary documentation proving genuine attempts to fill the vacancy with domestic workers. Our qualified legal team provides comprehensive assistance throughout this process.
Furthermore, employers must present evidence confirming that employing a foreign worker will generate neutral or positive effects on the Canadian labour market. This involves establishing that the international candidate possesses skills currently experiencing high demand and that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents remain accessible to undertake the role.
Employment offers made to foreign workers must conform to established wage and working condition requirements. The proposed compensation must be comparable to what Canadian citizens or permanent residents with equivalent skills and experience would receive. Additionally, employers must ensure foreign workers enjoy the same workplace conditions afforded to Canadian employees.
When preparing LMIA applications, employers must thoroughly complete the designated application form, incorporating comprehensive information about the job opportunity, recruitment activities undertaken, and wage and working condition details. Accompanying documentation validating business operations and recruitment initiatives must be submitted. Familiarity with work permit categories strengthens application outcomes.
By fulfilling these mandatory prerequisites, Canadian employers position themselves to receive a favourable LMIA determination, which forms the foundation for the foreign worker’s employer-specific work permit application. This structured process balances labour market protection with economic needs for specialized international talent.