A Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA is needed for many employers who want to hire temporary foreign nationals to work in Canada.
An LMIA determines whether there are Canadians or permanent residents who are able to work in a job or if a temporary foreign worker can be hired instead.
There are some exemptions from an LMIA, so it’s best to determine that before beginning the search for a suitable employee.
Employment and Social Development Canada provides an LMIA. The process depends on the type of worker being hired. This includes:
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low- or high-wage employees
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agricultural employees including seasonal
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academics
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caregivers
Once an employee has an LMIA, they can apply for a work permit. In order to become a permanent resident in Canada, a foreign worker will need to apply for the Express Entry program.