Last Updated:June 26, 2024
What is the LMIA Work Permit?
This is a work permit sponsored by an employer and allows you to work only for a sposoring employer with the offered occupation. This type of work permit is called an “employer specific work permit” by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. To obtain a work permit, the employer must apply for and obtain an LMIA from ESDC. A positive LMIA is required to apply for a work permit to IRCC.
Application Requirements for the LMIA Work Permit
- Must have received a job offer from an employer that complies with labor standards.
- The employer must have obtained a positive LMIA for the specific employment.
- Must be capable of working in the occupation specified in the positive LMIA.
What is LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, a document that Canadian employers must obtain from ESDC before employing foreign workers. If the employer passes the assessment, a Positive LMIA letter is issued to the employer. Once an employer obtains a Positive LMIA, foreign nationals can apply for a work permit. For more details, please refer to this link: LMIA
Application Method Using the Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream is an LMIA application method for companies with referral letters from designated industry associations or economic development organizations, or companies wanting to employ foreigners in specific occupations. Under this method, companies must develop a Labour Market Benefit Plan for the Department of Labour, with progress reviewed annually. It mainly targets IT-related and engineering occupations, but designated occupations may change depending on the labor market conditions. This application method exempts the requirement to post job advertisements and allows for a quick review process. For details about the targeted occupations, please refer to this link: LMIA
For companies interested in using the Global Talent Stream, consulting with experts for the latest information is recommended. Please feel free to contact us.
LMIA Work Permit Application Process
01Obtain a Job Offer
A foreign worker receive a job offer from an employer. The job offer must include position, job description, hours of work, salary, and work location.
02Post Job Advertisements
Post job ads targeting locals for a minimum of 28 days with content consistent with ESDC regulations.
03Apply for LMIA to ESDC
The employer applies for LMIA online with the ESDC, paying the application fee. The application includes results of job advertisements, employment conditions, proof of legal business operations, and evidence of financial ability to employ foreigners.
04Review by ESDC
ESDC will review LMIA applications according to the review criteria.
05Issuance of Positive LMIA
If the LMIA application is approved by ESDC, they issue a Positive LMIA Confirmation Letter to the employer.
06Apply for Work Permit to IRCC
The applicant gathers the required documents along with the Positive LMIA Confirmation Letter, pays the application fee, and applies for the work permit to the Canadian Immigration Office. The application process varies depending on the applicant’s current visa status and location.
07Canadian Immigration Office Review
The Canadian Immigration Office reviews the application to determine if the applicant meets the requirements.
08Obtain the Work Permit
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a work permit. The permit may be mailed to you, or you may land with the approval letter and issued the permit at the port of entry.
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