Everything You Need to Know About LMIA for Canadian Work Permit

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced plans to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada over the next three years. Because of this, many foreign nationals wanting to work in Canada might be eager to speed up their process. Applying for a Canadian work permit can be a long and confusing process. There are many types of work permits, each with its application steps. A labour market impact assessment, or LMIA, is one of the most common types. An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA) is for Canadian employers seeking temporary foreign workers. It shows that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian job market and is needed before the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. However, not all jobs require an LMIA. For these LMIA-exempt positions, employers can support a foreign worker’s work permit application without this document.

What is LMIA

The LMIA is a document that looks at how hiring foreign workers might affect the job market in Canada. To get a work permit, an employer will first get an LMIA.

The LMIA confirms two things:

• There is a shortage of workers for the job.
• The employer tried but could not find a Canadian or permanent resident for the position.

If the LMIA is positive, the foreign worker can apply for a Canadian work permit. This document is essential because it is the first step to working legally in Canada.

The Benefits of Having an LMIA

• It helps You Get a Work Permit: An LMIA can help you secure a work permit to stay in Canada.
• Employer’s Efforts: It shows the employer tried to hire a Canadian or permanent resident first.
• Access to Benefits: With a positive LMIA, you can access health care, education, and other government services.
• Live and Work in Canada: A valid work permit lets you live and work in Canada for the duration of your visa.

Why is LMIA Important For Immigration

An LMIA is crucial because it ensures that hiring foreign workers does not harm the Canadian job market or economy. It helps the government track and manage the number of foreign workers in the country, ensuring they have fair rights and good working conditions.

Why do you Need Another LMIA to Extend your Work Permit?

You may need another LMIA for the following reasons;

• Validity Requirement: Your LMIA must be valid when you apply for a work permit. Even if you reapply for a work permit, the LMIA must be current at the time of application.
• Expired LMIA: If your initial LMIA expires and your employer wants to extend your work permit, a new LMIA is needed before you can apply for the extension.
• New Application: When your employer applies for a new LMIA, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will reassess the situation to confirm that no Canadians or permanent residents can fill the job. This process starts from the beginning each time.

Immigration Programs That Require or Prefer an LMIA

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program:
   • Applicants must have at least one year of working full-time in eligible jobs.
   • Must meet language and education requirements.
   • Need at least 67 points out of 100 on the selection factors, including a valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program:
   • This is for a skilled tradesperson with at least two years of full-time experience in an eligible trade.
   • Must meet language requirements.
   • Need a valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA or a certificate from a Canadian province or territory.
3. Canadian Experience Class:
   • This is for workers with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
   • Must meet language requirements and plan to live outside Quebec.
   • A valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA can boost the CRS score, but it is not.

Conclusion

An LMIA is vital for many immigration programs as it demonstrates a genuine need for foreign workers that Canadians or permanent residents cannot fulfil. This document is essential for obtaining a work permit, accessing social benefits, and ensuring fair working conditions. If your initial LMIA expires, you will need a new one to extend your work permit.

At JapaPartners, we specialize in guiding you through the process of the Canadian immigration process. Whether you are a skilled worker, a tradesperson, or someone with Canadian work experience, we can support you at every stage.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey to Canada.