A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirms that:
There is a need for a temporary foreign worker.
No Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the job.
Check for LMIA or Work Permit Exemptions:
Review Exemption Codes: Look for LMIA exemption codes or work permit exemptions that may apply to your hiring situation.
If an exemption applies, include the relevant code in your offer of employment.
Contact the International Mobility Workers Unit if you are hiring a temporary foreign worker who is:
Outside Canada
From a visa-exempt country.
How to Get an LMIA:
Application Process: You need to apply for an LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Programs for LMIA:
High-wage workers
Low-wage workers
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
Agricultural Stream
Hiring with an LMIA:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
After receiving an LMIA, you must provide the confirmation letter to the worker, who will use it to apply for a work permit.
Hiring without an LMIA (International Mobility Program):
No LMIA required: If the worker is eligible under the International Mobility Program (IMP), no LMIA is needed.
Employer Compliance:
Pay the employer compliance fee.
Submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal before the worker applies for a work permit.
Francophone Mobility (Outside Quebec):
Exemption: Francophone or bilingual workers outside Quebec are exempt from the LMIA under the IMP.
Benefits: Employers can offer bilingual services while contributing to minority language communities across Canada.
Hiring in Quebec:
Through the TFWP: Workers will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) before a work permit can be issued.
Through the IMP: No CAQ is required for workers under the IMP.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Description: This type of work permit ties you to a specific employer. The conditions on your work permit will specify:
Employer: The name of the specific employer you can work for.
Duration: How long you can work in Canada.
Location: If applicable, where you can work.
Requirements:
Employment Contract: Your employer must provide you with a copy of your employment contract.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Your employer may need to provide an LMIA or an Offer of Employment Number (for LMIA-exempt workers).
If your employer doesn’t need the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.
Open Work Permit
Description: An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for one that:
Is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who failed to comply with conditions.
Regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Eligibility: You can only apply for an open work permit in specific situations.
Medical Exam: Some jobs may require a medical exam. If you wish to avoid medical conditions being mentioned on your open work permit, you can undergo a medical exam by a panel physician.
Bringing Your Family to Canada
Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Your spouse or common-law partner may also be able to work or study while in Canada.
Dependent Children: Your dependent children may also accompany you and may have the opportunity to study or live with you in Canada.
