A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
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 or permanent resident 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 based work permit
Canadian employers are mandatorily required to obtain a document (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada stating that they can hire the temporary worker and this assessment allows an employer to hire a temporary foreign worker and thus fulfill a need for a foreign worker to fill the job when no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
Obtaining an LMIA is a two-step process.
1. Apply for an LMIA to Service Canada. The purpose of the LMIA is to make sure that foreign workers are not being chosen over Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents those are qualified for the job. Positive LMIA determines that hiring foreign nationals in the specified occupation and at the specified work location is likely to have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.
2. Apply for a Work Permit - once an LMIA has been obtained by the employer from Service Canada the Work permit application is submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Work permits based on skill types
Skilled Work Permits
Skilled work permits are obtained in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B. Generally, for skilled work permits, applicant need to have 1-3 years of experience depending upon the occupation and in certain cases only relevant education can fulfill the job requirements. Applicants also need English or French language skills to meet the job requirements.
Semi-Skilled work permits
Semi-Skilled work permits are obtained in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level C & D. Semi-Skilled work permits require maximum of high school education or job specific training. Applicants also need to prove their English or French language skills to meet the job requirements.
Semi-Skilled work permits under agriculture stream generally do not require any specific language skills, education, and experience. You still need to meet all general eligibility requirements for work permit.
Under low skilled work permits, generally employers pay return airfare, ensure that affordable and suitable accommodation is available, provide temporary medical insurance coverage, register workers with provincial workplace safety insurance plans, sign an employer-employee contract.
LMIA options are available throughout Canada and keep changing from Province to province from time to time.
We would have to see what options are available at the time when you have applied for the LMIA for yourself.
(To speed up your immigration, a Visitor Visa option could also be availed followed by the Work Permit processing which could be processed post your landing in Canada and this reduces your landing time wait period as well)
We would match your profile with relevant options which are available in Canada at the time of your application.
All the candidates should
1. Be fluent in English language
2. There are no standard education requirements such as a bachelor’s degree, a certificate, or a diploma, however, it would add to your profile if you are well educated. (a post grad is preferred more over a grad and then a certificate or a diploma holder)
3. Previous experience in the field in which you want to apply may or may not be mandatory. (depends upon the job category available at the time of your application)
Canadian NOC List
1. Working hours - 40 per week (Full Time jobs via LMIA)
2. Paid leaves - 25 per year
3. High average salaries
4. Social security benefits
5. Employment Insurance (EI)
6. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for employees
7. Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Pay
8. Further Assistance in the Permanent Residency Application (on reduced fees basis)
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