Labour Market
Impact Assessment

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. It is a critical step for Canadian employers who wish to hire temporary foreign workers for certain job positions.

Purpose: The LMIA's primary purpose is to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker will not negatively affect the job opportunities or working conditions of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

  • Employer's Role: The Canadian employer interested in hiring a foreign worker must apply for an LMIA. This involves demonstrating that they have made efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents but were unable to find a suitable candidate for the position.

  • Advertising and Recruitment: As part of the LMIA process, the employer is usually required to advertise the job position to Canadians for a specified period. The job posting must meet specific requirements, including salary, working conditions, and skills required.

  • Positive LMIA: If ESDC determines that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market and that there are no qualified Canadians available for the position, they issue a positive LMIA.

  • LMIA Exemptions: Some types of jobs and certain categories of foreign workers are exempt from the LMIA process. For example, workers under international trade agreements, intra-company transferees, certain skilled workers under specific programs, and certain charitable and religious workers may be exempt.

  • Work Permit Application: Once the employer receives a positive LMIA, they provide a copy to the foreign worker, who can then use it to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It's essential to note that the LMIA process can be complex, and specific criteria must be met for a positive LMIA. Employers and foreign workers should carefully follow the guidelines and requirements set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure a successful application.