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By: Loft Immigration Services Inc

How LMIA Works: The Complete Guide

If you’ve ever thought about working in Canada, you’ve probably come across the term Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It might sound a bit complicated at first, but it’s a crucial step for foreign workers and employers. In this guide, we’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, especially if you’re a Nigerian looking to work in Canada.

What is LMIA?

An LMIA is a document that a Canadian employer needs to hire a foreign worker. It shows that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job, so the employer has permission to bring in someone from outside Canada.

If you’ve already been offered a job in Canada, your employer may need to get this LMIA document before you can apply for your work permit. Keep in mind that the type of visa you apply for will depend on your situation. If you’re still figuring out which visa option is best for you, check out our comprehensive guide on which Canada visa is easiest to get for Nigerians.

Types of LMIA

There are different types of LMIA, depending on the job and the situation. Here are some common ones:

  1. High-Wage LMIA: If the job pays more than the median wage in the province or territory, this is the type of LMIA required.
  2. Low-Wage LMIA: This applies to jobs paying below the median wage. The rules here are more strict to ensure foreign workers are treated fairly.
  3. Agricultural Stream LMIA: For employers needing workers in the agricultural sector, such as farmhands or seasonal workers.
  4. Global Talent Stream (GTS): If you have specialized skills in tech or engineering, this stream allows employers to hire highly skilled workers fast.
  5. Permanent Residency LMIA: Some employers might help you with permanent residency by supporting your application through this type of LMIA. If permanent residency is something you’re considering, check out how Nigerian entrepreneurs can get a Canada startup visa for more information.

How LMIA Works for Employers

If you’re a business owner looking to hire someone from outside of Canada, here’s how the LMIA process works:

  1. Advertise the Job: You’ll need to advertise the job locally and prove that you couldn’t find a suitable Canadian candidate.
  2. Submit the Application: After meeting the advertising requirements, submit the LMIA application to the government.
  3. Pay the Processing Fee: The fee is $1,000 CAD for each application, though some sectors like agriculture may be exempt.
  4. Wait for a Decision: After you’ve applied, the government will review the application to decide whether hiring a foreign worker will benefit Canada’s labour market.

If you’re planning to open or expand a business in Canada and need skilled workers, check out our blog on the secrets to opening a business in Canada—even with Nigeria’s tough economy.

How LMIA Works for Foreign Workers

For workers coming from outside Canada, the LMIA process affects how you get your work permit. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Receive a Job Offer: Your Canadian employer needs to offer you a job and apply for the LMIA.
  2. Employer Applies for LMIA: Your employer will handle the LMIA application on your behalf.
  3. Apply for a Work Permit: Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for your work permit, using the LMIA confirmation letter in your application.
  4. Arrive in Canada: Once your work permit is approved, you’re ready to move to Canada. Remember, the type of visa you receive will depend on your unique situation. If you’re interested in knowing more about visa cancellations, read our detailed blog post on whether your Canada visa can be cancelled after approval.

LMIA and Permanent Residency

If your long-term goal is to live in Canada, an LMIA-backed job offer can significantly boost your chances of getting permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry give additional points to applicants with valid job offers supported by an LMIA. This makes it easier to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Employers who offer permanent jobs to foreign workers can also support their application for permanent residency. If you’re a business owner looking to hire and sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency, you might want to explore the best Canadian PR programs for business owners and use LMIA to your advantage.

How Loft Immigration Can Help

At Loft Immigration Services Inc., we specialize in helping both employers and foreign workers navigate the LMIA process. Whether you’re an employer looking to fill skill gaps or a worker looking to make Canada your new home, we’re here to help.

For business owners, LMIA can be a valuable tool in growing your company. If you’re thinking about hiring skilled talent, LMIA is a big part of that process.

For workers, having an LMIA-supported job offer can help you not just with a temporary work permit but possibly permanent residency down the line. If you’re interested in understanding more about Canadian business immigration visa requirements or other immigration pathways, we are here to guide you.

Want more information? Get a free evaluation with us today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is an LMIA, and why do I need it to work in Canada?

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document required by Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. It proves that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the job. Without an LMIA, foreign workers cannot apply for certain types of work permits. You can learn more about how LMIA works in our comprehensive guide to the LMIA process.

2. How long does it take to get an LMIA?

The time it takes to get an LMIA depends on the type of LMIA and the job. For instance, Global Talent Stream LMIAs can be processed in as little as two weeks, while others may take several months. If you’re considering moving your business to Canada, we can help you uncover every LMIA requirements for your business.

3. Do all jobs in Canada require an LMIA?

No, not all jobs require an LMIA. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt, especially if they fall under international trade agreements or specific government programs. However, jobs that do require an LMIA are typically in industries where there’s a shortage of local workers. If you’re unsure which Canadian visa is easiest for your situation, check out this guide on easy Canadian visas for Nigerians.

4. How does an LMIA help with getting permanent residency in Canada?

An LMIA-backed job offer can give you extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry, which increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

5. How can I avoid Canada visa rejection if my LMIA is approved?

Even with an approved LMIA, it’s important to ensure that all documents are correctly submitted to avoid visa rejection. Common reasons for visa rejection include incomplete paperwork, lack of financial proof, and discrepancies in applications. For more insights on this topic, read our blog on common Canada visa rejection reasons.

6. Can I switch employers in Canada if my job is tied to an LMIA?

In most cases, if you switch employers, your new employer will need to apply for a new LMIA. This is because LMIAs are job-specific. However, some workers on open work permits do not require an LMIA to switch jobs. For more information on LMIA-exempt jobs, feel free to book an evaluation call with our team.

7. What are the main types of LMIA, and which one applies to me?

There are several types of LMIAs, including High-Wage LMIA, Low-Wage LMIA, Agricultural Stream LMIA, and Global Talent Stream LMIA. The type you need depends on the job offer and wage category. If you’re an entrepreneur, you can also explore LMIA options to support your Canada startup visa application.

8. How can Nigerian entrepreneurs benefit from LMIA for business immigration?

Nigerian entrepreneurs can use LMIA to hire foreign workers or even strengthen their own applications for permanent residency in Canada. LMIA-backed job offers also make it easier to start and grow a business in Canada.

9. Can I apply for an LMIA if I’m moving my business to Canada?

Yes, if you’re moving your business to Canada, you can apply for an LMIA to hire foreign workers to support your operations. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs in fields that require specialized skills. For a detailed overview, check out our article on how to move your business to Canada.

10. What happens if my Canada visa is cancelled after approval?

Although rare, visas can be cancelled after approval if the applicant violates the terms of the visa or provides false information. If this happens, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and possible next steps. For more information, read our blog on visa cancellations after approval.

11. What are some common mistakes people make when applying for Canadian PR with an LMIA?

One of the most common mistakes is not understanding how the LMIA affects your PR application or failing to submit the necessary documents. For tips on how to avoid such mistakes, check out our guide on the top mistakes to avoid when applying for Canadian PR.

12. Can I use an LMIA to expand my business through intra-company transfers?

Yes, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit allows businesses with operations in both Canada and another country to transfer key personnel. This can be done without the need for an LMIA in some cases. For more details, check out our blog on intra-company transfers.

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