top of page

Labour Market
Impact
Assessments
(LMIA)

Open For Business

What is an LMIA?

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. There are work permits and job offers which do not require an LMIA.

Low Wage LMIA

Low wage LMIA's are valid for 1 year and demonstrate to Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC) that a Canadian employer is facing a short-term skills and labour shortage. This can occur when there are no Canadians and permanent residents are available to fill job(s). Obtaining an LMIA can be a pathway to Permanent Residence by way of qualifying for Federal Express Entry option such as the Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program which can be either linked to Express Entry or be wat is referred to as non-express entry.

High Wage LMIA

High wage LMIA's are valid for 2 years and demonstrate to Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC) that a Canadian employer is facing a short-term skills and labour shortage. This can occur when there are no Canadians and permanent residents are available to fill job(s). Obtaining an LMIA can be a pathway to Permanent Residence by way of qualifying for Federal Express Entry option such as the Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program which can be either linked to Express Entry or be wat is referred to as non-express entry.​

LMIA to Support PR

Employers who wish to hire skilled foreign workers and support their permanent resident visa application can make a job offer under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system. The job offer must meet the criteria of one of the Express Entry programs.

​

If the job offer is to be under the FSWP then it must:

  • a higher-skilled position such as: management, professional, scientific, technical or trade occupations (National Occupational Classification (NOC), skill type 0, and skill levels A and B),

  • full-time hours (a minimum of 30 hours of work per week),

  • at least one year, and a non-seasonal position.


If the job offer is ​to be under the FSTP then it must:

  • Be an eligible skilled trade or technical occupation (NOC skill level B),

  • full-time hours (a minimum of 30 hours of work per week), and

  • at least one year.

  • Up to 2 employers can make up the job offer

​

If the job offer is ​to be under the CEC then it must:

  • a higher-skilled position such as: management, professional, scientific, technical or trade occupations (National Occupational Classification (NOC), skill type 0, and skill levels A and B),

  • full-time hours (a minimum of 30 hours of work per week),

  • at least one year, and

  • a non-seasonal position.

bottom of page