Generally, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required before a Canadian employer can hire a temporary foreign worker (formerly known as a Labour Market Opinion – LMO).
An LMIA is a form of labour market verification designed to protect Canada’s domestic job marketplace, as well as protect foreign workers employed in Canada temporarily. Only under select circumstances can LMIA-exempt work permits be obtained.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.
Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.
To apply for a work permit, a worker needs:
- A job offer letter,
- A contract,
- A copy of the LMIA, and
- The LMIA number.
LMIA Processing Times
LMIA processing times can be somewhat unpredictable, ranging from a couple of weeks, to a few months. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has pledged to process certain LMIA applications within 10 business days. The following categories will now be processed with a 10-business-day service standard:
- All LMIA applications for the highest-demand occupations (skilled trades), or
- Highest-paid (top 10%) occupations, or
- Short-duration work periods (120 days or less).
