08 Oct A Simple Guide to LMIA and Canada’s Work Permit Process
If you have experience in a particular field and want to work in Canada, then you must know about LMIA. LMIA, which stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment is a type of document that verifies and protects foreign workers’ employment in Canada. This document is needed by an employer before hiring any foreign worker. In this blog, let us find out more about LMIA and Canada’s LMIA work permit process.
What is LMIA in Canada?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is a document that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. The ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) issues the LMIA applications to potential employers. By completing the processing of LMIA applications, the ESDC determines that hiring foreign nationals in the specified occupation will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.
In simple words, LMIA Canada is a document needed by Canadian employers to hire overseas workers. It serves as a proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a particular job vacancy, in case no Canadian resident is available for it.
Now when the ESDC sends the employers a positive LMIA, it specifies that they can hire a foreign worker for a specified job. And in case a negative LMIA is issued, it means that the employer is not approved to hire a foreign worker. One thing to note here is that a positive LMIA is only valid for 6 months from its issue date and the employers must notify foreign nationals about the same.
How Can I Get the LMIA Work Permit?
Anyone would want to get a canada work visa for indians and settle there in the future. But is there an easy way to do that? Well, getting your work permit through LMIA is a convenient and easy way. Let us understand how you can get the LMIA work permit by following these easy steps:
1. Get a Job Offer from Canada
The first step for your LMIA work permit journey is to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. Next, you need to ensure that your employer will initiate your work permit process via LMIA.
2. Your Employer Should Apply for an LMIA
To initiate the process, your employer needs to apply for the LMIA with the ESDC where they need to show that they are willing to hire a foreign worker. They will have to show that they tried hiring a permanent resident but could not find a suitable one. This way the concerned party will give a green flag that they can accept foreign work permits to fill certain job positions.
3. Wait for the LMIA Approval Letter
After your employer sends the LMIA application, they will wait until it gets approved. If it gets approved, the employer will receive a positive LMIA which will specify that they are allowed to hire foreign workers in the country.
4. If Positive, Apply for a Work Permit
Now, after your employer receives the positive LMIA, they will stand eligible to let you apply for a work permit. To apply for the work permit, submit your application online through the IRCC official website.
5. Wait for the Processing and Get Your LMIA Work Permit
Lastly, you will need to wait for the processing of your LMIA work permit. Once approved, you will receive an official document stating that you can work in Canada as mentioned in the LMIA.
What is High-Wage or Low-Wage LMIA?
There are two main categories of jobs under which the foreign workers are considered for the LMIA process. These are high-wage and low-wage job positions. High wage job positions are often the ones that pay you higher than the median wage as published by the Canadian government. The high wage job positions also require the candidates to have a higher level of experience and related skills. Low-wage positions on the other hand, refers to job positions that pay wages lower than the median wages.
For any job position under the LMIA process, the impact of hiring potential foreign workers is assessed. The LMIA ensures to assess what impact will hiring a foreign candidate have on the Canadian labor market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for LMIA Canada
You might have some common questions regarding the LMIA application process, its fees, required documents and other related stuff. Let us decode some of the frequently asked questions to apply through an LMIA.
1. Who Can Apply for an LMIA in Canada?
The employers in Canada can apply for an LMIA to hire foreign workers when they are unable to fill job positions with suitable Canadian candidates. The foreign workers also require the LMIA document to obtain a work permit in the country.
2. What Are the Types of LMIA?
There are various types of LMIA other than the high-wage and low-wage. These are:
- LMIA for Agricultural Worker
- LMIA for Caregiver
- Temporary Foreign Academic
- Dual Intent LMIA (Express Entry)
- Temporary Foreign worker through Global Talent Stream
3. How Much Does the LMIA Work Permit Cost in Canada?
Generally, if a company applies for an LMIA, they are to pay $1000 per application. However, there can be exceptions where employers may pay less but this depends on the salary of the position and immigration program.
4. Does LMI Guarantee PR?
The LMI does not guarantee PR but can help to increase your chances of immigration to Canada. It also helps in increasing your points and gives you an advantage in the Provincial Nominee Skilled Worker stream.
5. What Documents Are Required for a LMIA Work Permit in Canada?
The documents required for an LMIA work permit in Canada are:
- A copy of the employment offer and LMIA
- Proofs that showcase you meet all the requirements of the job being offered. These proofs include education, relevant work experience and language skills.
- Your Photographs and applicable fees
Conclusion
An LMIA is a great way to hire the right talent into the country. It benefits potential foreign workers who are in search of jobs in Canada. We at Immivoyage Consultants team up with Canadian employees to help you get LMIA work visa.
If you hold a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the beauty, transport, dairy or IT industry, we can help you to get the LMIA Canada work permit with no hassle. Contact us today for further details!
