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Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
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Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – Hire Foreign Workers in Canada
Boost Your Workforce with a Positive LMIA – Employers across Canada rely on foreign talent to fill labor shortages and expand their businesses. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial step for hiring foreign workers, ensuring that no qualified Canadian is available for the position.
Need help with your LMIA application? Our experts streamline the process, increasing approval chances and reducing wait times.
- LMIA for Skilled Workers
- LMIA for Truck Drivers
- LMIA for Restaurants & Hospitality
- LMIA for Caregivers & Agriculture
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers when local candidates are unavailable.
A positive LMIA confirms:
- The job is genuine and necessary for the business.
- No Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.
- The foreign worker will receive a fair wage and proper working conditions.
Industries That Commonly Require LMIA
Certain industries face chronic labor shortages, making LMIA-supported hiring essential:
1. Trucking & Transportation
- Canada’s trucking industry faces a shortage of over 30,000 drivers.
- LMIA-supported work permits help foreign truck drivers secure legal jobs.
- Example: A logistics company in Ontario secured five LMIA approvals for long-haul drivers to meet delivery demands.
2. Restaurants & Hospitality
- Shortages in chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers are common.
- Example: A high-end Toronto restaurant obtained two LMIAs for international chefs with specialized cuisine expertise.
3. Construction & Skilled Trades
- Canada needs electricians, welders, carpenters, and HVAC technicians.
- Employers use LMIAs to sponsor experienced tradespeople from countries like India, the Philippines, and Mexico.
4. Caregiving & Home Support
- Elderly care and childcare providers are in demand across Canada.
- Families can sponsor caregivers with LMIA-based work permits.
5. Agriculture & Farm Workers
- Farms need seasonal workers for fruit picking, greenhouse work, and livestock care.
- Example: A farm in British Columbia hired 15 seasonal agricultural workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
How to Apply for an LMIA
Step 1: Employer Recruitment Efforts
- Employers must advertise the position for at least 4 weeks.
- Job postings must appear on Canada Job Bank + 2 additional sources (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn).
Step 2: Submit LMIA Application
- Fill out the correct LMIA form based on job type.
- Pay the $1,000 CAD processing fee per position (except for caregivers).
- Provide a business legitimacy package (company financials, proof of operations, etc.).
Step 3: LMIA Processing & Decision
- Processing times vary (see below).
- ESDC may contact the employer for additional details.
Step 4: Worker Applies for Work Permit
- Once LMIA is approved, the foreign worker applies for a closed work permit.
Success Stories: LMIA Approvals We Helped Secure
- Logistics Company in Ontario: Successfully hired truck drivers from the Middle East through LMIA approvals, helping the company address labor shortages and expand its fleet operations.
- Sock Manufacturing Company in Ontario: Secured an LMIA for an administrative assistant, streamlining business operations and improving supply chain management.
- Construction Company in Toronto: Obtained multiple LMIA approvals for skilled trades positions, including painters, drywall installers, welders, and construction supervisors, ensuring timely completion of major projects amid labor shortages.
- Agricultural Farm in Manitoba: Approved for 20 seasonal workers under the SAWP program.
- Restaurant Owner in Alberta: Secured an LMIA for a skilled Indian chef to meet rising demand for authentic cuisine.
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