What does LMIA means?
The LMIA program allows Canadian employers to hire workers from India or other countries if they can't find local employees. According to the Canadian government’s website, A positive LMIA shows there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and it also shows that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is also called a confirmation letter.
Once an employer gets a positive LMIA, workers can apply for the job. If selected, they will need Canadian work permits. To apply for a work permit, a worker needs a job offer letter, a contract, a copy of the LMIA, and the LMIA number.
- Why is LMIA becoming popular in Indians
There are a few reasons for this. First off, getting an international student visa is tougher now because there are fewer spots available.
Also, there are job shortages in areas like farming, cooking, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and caregiving. Healthcare and tech sectors are hiring too. The LMIA program is a great option for those who can’t get student visas or other immigration routes, helping them gain work experience in Canada and join the job market.
What is the process to get an LMIA?
Your employer needs a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for you to work in Canada. The LMIA process varies based on the job program.
- Must meet the program eligibility requirements for both employer and employee
- The employer must have a job bank to authenticate the process
- Submit the application and all documents such as LMIA application, business legitimacy proof, proof ofrecruitment, employment contract, and job offer
- Your employer must acquire a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to work in Canada. The LMIA application process differs from the type of program your employer is hiring for.
- Submit the processing fee of the program on the official portal
What are the minimum eligibility requirements for LMIA?
To be eligible for the LMIA ( Labour Market Impact Assessment) program, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Must show that their job offer is real and trustworthy
- Employers are required to provide a detailed plan outlining their strategy for hiring foreign nationals.
- Employers must show they tried hard to hire Canadian citizens and permanent residents before hiring a foreign worker.
- Applications must detail FW (Foreign workers) wages to distinguish high-wage from low-wage jobs and ensure FWs are paid like Canadian workers.
- FWs have the same workplace health and safety rights as Canadians. Employers must prove FWs have insurance equal to the provincial or territorial health coverage.
Post-LMIA Approval: Next Steps
If an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is approved, the following steps outline the process for the foreign worker to legally work in Canada:
Inform the Foreign Worker
The employer must tell the foreign worker that the LMIA is approved. The employer gives the worker a copy of the positive LMIA and a detailed job offer letter.
Apply for a Work Permit
The foreign worker uses the positive LMIA to apply for a work permit. They can apply online or at a Canadian visa office abroad. The worker must provide:
- A copy of the positive LMIA
- The job offer letter
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Applicable fees
- Other documents
Processing Time
The time it takes to process a work permit application depends on the applicant's country and the application's complexity. Some applications may qualify for faster processing, especially if the employer is eligible for the 10-day service.
Issuance of Work Permit
If approved, the foreign worker gets a work permit. This document lists the employer, job location, and employment duration.
Become eligible to work in Canada
After arriving in Canada, the worker can start their job as stated in the work permit.