LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) in past called a Labour Market Opinion is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker.

Before hiring a foreign worker the employer needs to submit an application to the Employment and Social Canada (ESDC). ESDC reviews the application and then issues an assessment or a report that is called LMIA. 

If the assessment by ESDC is positive, the Labour Market Impact Assessment will outline the conditions of the job being offered, the name of the employee in question, and an expiry date.

The importance of the LMIA: 

• LMIA can be used for an application for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program  
• LMIA can be used to support Permanent Residence applications
•  If candidates  apply to Express Entry draw. This can boost the cut-off score high enough for the applicant to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanente Residence in Canada
• LMIA can support both Permanente residence & Work Permit applications

Do you have questions about working in Canada or hiring a foreign worker? Contact us today to see how we can help!