Canada has allowed every foreign skilled worker worldwide to enter the country and work for a specific period. But unfortunately, no Canadian employer is allowed to employ any foreign worker until the LMIA is positive i.e. the employer must be sure that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to take up the vacant job. In this article, we will explain the whole process of LMIA, the application process, and other important information you need to know about LMIA.
What’s LMIA?
LMIA means Labour Market Impact Assessment – is a process of assessment conducted by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Every Canadian employer must seek approval from the Canadian government via the agency (ESDC) to employ any foreign worker worldwide. The LMIA process is established to protect the interest of the Canadian citizens and permanent residents of the country in any available job vacancies in the country.
Step-by-step Guidelines for LMIA Process
Below are the step-by-step guidelines for the process of an LMIA:
STEP 1: Check the Eligibility
- The first eligibility check is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) which allows the foreign worker to enter the country. He/she will ensure that the job requirements meet the requirements of the program.
- The second eligibility check is the Labour market, check if it is needed to perform an LMIA survey for the vacant job i.e. to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen is available for the job.
STEP 2: Prepare the Application
- Your Canadian employer must prepare a job offer for you which includes the job descriptions, salary package, working procedures, etc.
- Your Canadian employer must also prepare the employment contract details that will include all the terms and conditions of the job, and the rules and regulations of the working environment.
- Your Canadian employer will also need to gather his/her business documents to verify the business organization. Examples are: financial statements, proof of business registration, business records, etc.
STEP 3: Submit the Application
- He/she will submit a complete LMIA application package to the ESDC department for due process.
- He/she must pay the LMIA processing fee to further the application. The processing fee is around $1000 to $2,500 per person.
STEP 4: The processing times
- The processing time for the application may take a few weeks or months. The application processing time may have to depend on the simplicity of your application.
STEP 5: LMIA Approval
- Your Canadian employer will receive a message to confirm that the application is approved.
- If a positive LMIA is received, your Canadian employer will get a positive LMIA decision letter and a confirmation number.
- But with a negative LMIA, he/she will get a negative LMIA decision letter, stating the reasons for rejection.
STEP 4: Apply for a Work permit
- Your Canadian employer will proceed with the work permit application via the IRCC portal (Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada) so that you can easily begin your work when you reach Canada.
STEP 5: Hiring a Foreign Worker
- If the work permit is approved, your Canadian employer will proceed with the hiring process and ensure that all laws and regulations are followed.
Note that some jobs are exempted from the Labour market inspection assessment, examples are the International jobs.
The List of LMIA-Approved Companies That You Can Apply Into
Below are the lists of approved LMIA companies:
- Microsoft Canada: Microsoft is a multinational company, known all over the world for providing quality support and services to business clients in the country. They are leaders in services like multimedia devices, tablets, smartphones, tablets and are very much trusted worldwide. Examples of professionals needed are: Data engineers, software engineers, AI technicians, Customer experience engineers, Security officers, etc.
- Walmart Canada: Walmart has an headquarters in one of the modern cities in the country – Ontario. Their distribution centers are Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Budget stores. Examples of roles you can apply for in Walmart, include: pharmacy managers, Department managers, Cartpushers, retail store associates, front-end managers, etc. How to Apply for High Paying Jobs in Walmart in Canada 2024/2025
- Air Canada: This airline is the flag carrier and a long-term member of Star Alliance. They are the largest airline in the country, offering direct flights to at least six continents. Examples of roles to apply for in Air Canada: Aircraft Maintenance engineer, Manager of IT, Cleaning attendants, Group support equipment technician, Industrial electrician, etc.
- Alberta Health services: Alberta Health services (AHS) offers job opportunities across all departments in the healthcare system. Examples of roles to apply for are: Physician assistants, medical oncologists, public health inspectors, Emergency medical dispatchers, etc.
- National Bank of Canada: The National Bank of Canada is one of the largest banks in Canada, with a long history of service. They provide a wide range of financial services ranging from personal banking, investment and wealth management, commercial banking, etc. The headquarters of the National Bank is located in Montreal, Quebec. Examples of available vacancies are: Banking advisors, Financial planners, senior financial analyst, investment analyst, security managers, etc.
- Royal Bank of Canada: The Royal Bank of Canada offers a lot of financial services ranging from personal banking, business banking, investment and wealth management, etc. Examples of roles to apply for in this institution are: Estate planning associates, Customer service representative, Bank advisors, Business analyst, etc.
- Scotia Bank: Scotia Bank offers various services like personal banking, digital banking, commercial banking, etc. The Scotia Bank was founded in Nova Scotia, in 1832. It is one of the oldest banks in Canada. Examples of roles available in this firm are account manager, bank manager, business analyst, etc.
- Google Canada: This company provides a search engine service. Their main services are display advertising and tools, desktop and mobile operating systems, producing consumer content, web-based search, etc. Examples
- Bank of Montreal: The Bank of Montreal provides different types of banking i.e. commercial banking, personal banking, investment banking and other financial services. Examples of personnels needed are software developer, cloud developer, Senior software engineer, technical solutions developer, etc.
- Rogers Communications Inc.: is a communication and media company that provides services like business solutions, cable and internet service, wireless service, etc. Examples of available job opportunities in this firm are: customer service representatives, sales managers, technicians marketers, etc.
General Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for an LMIA Job in Canada
Some eligibility criteria and requirements must be fulfilled by both the foreign worker and your Canadian employer, these include:
General requirements
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old and above to work in Canada.
- Language skills: You must be proficient in speaking either of Canada’s official languages i.e. English or French. You may have to undergo a language exam or test to prove that you have a good language skill.
- Criminal history: You must have zero criminal records or be involved in any serious crimes.
- Work experience: You must have previous work experience in your profession to acquire an LMIA job.
- Education certificate: You must have a basic education certificate i.e a high school diploma or advanced education certificate like bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Specific requirements
Employer’s requirements
- The Canadian employer will announce the job details on their career website or any job portals online, examples are Indeed, Glassdoor, Talent, etc.
- Provide business documents that can prove the business’s legitimacy or existence as a legal business in the country.
- He/she must be able to prove that he considered employing a Canadian employer or permanent resident before posting it across all job platforms.
- He/she must pay the application fee to process the application with the ESDC (Employment Social Development Canada)
- Provide a job offer letter and a signed employment contract to the potential worker.
Foreign Worker Requirements:
- A job offer letter from a Canadian employer who has been approved with a positive LMIA from the ESDC.
- You must have a copy of the LMIA certificate with the LMIA number, job contract, and job offer.
- You must have the required education certificate like a degree certificate or advanced certificate.
How to Apply for an LMIA Job in Canada
Below are the steps to apply for an LMIA job in Canada:
Search for an LMIA Approved Jobs
- You can use the aforementioned job platforms for your job search as there are more job opportunities in this platform.
- You can use the official government job board. Public and private jobs are also available on this platform. Visit here
- You can check the career pages of the Approved LMIA companies mentioned above, e.g. Microsoft Canada.
The Application Process
- Check the job description, qualifications, and skills required to be eligible for the job.
- Update your resume and cover letter. Ensure that both documents complement each other and they match the job qualifications and requirements.
- You can easily apply online via the job platforms or career website by clicking on the “apply button”
- Fill out the application form and ensure that you submit all the required documents.
- Follow up on your application and reply immediately to all updates.
- If your application is successful, you will receive a confirmation message from your employer, and the next line of action.
Conclusion
It is easier when your Canadian employer has a positive LMIA result from the Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC). This is a prerequisite for all Canadian employers who are looking for more talent and skilled individuals beyond the country. An LMIA is not only just to protect the citizens or permanent residents of the country but also to protect foreign workers.