Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

 

Are you planning to apply for an LMIA? Whether you're a foreign worker seeking employment in Canada on a temporary work permit or a Canadian employer looking to hire skilled professionals from abroad, understanding the LMIA process is crucial.

Canada utilizes the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to address labor shortages when qualified workers are unavailable within the country. To hire foreign workers, Canadian employers must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This application helps determine if hiring a foreign worker is necessary and beneficial for the Canadian labor market.

Once the application is submitted, an ESDC officer reviews it to evaluate its impact on the local job market. The officer ensures that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents have been overlooked for the position and that the foreign worker will be fairly compensated following federal and provincial regulations.

If the LMIA result is positive or neutral, it indicates that no Canadian is available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the job market. However, a negative result suggests that the employer has not met specific requirements outlined by ESDC. At Waymark Immigration, while we do not provide recruitment services, we can guide and represent you as your legal consultants to strengthen your LMIA application and help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Benefits of the LMIA Program

For Canadian Employers

  • The LMIA program enables Canadian employers to access a global talent pool, filling critical roles across various industries.
  • By hiring international workers, businesses can foster innovation, bring fresh perspectives, and expand their reach in an increasingly competitive global market.
  • It helps resolve labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, ensuring businesses operate efficiently and contribute to national economic growth.

For Foreign Workers

  • The LMIA program provides foreign workers with the opportunity to work in Canada, gaining valuable international experience that can enhance their careers.
  • It allows individuals to develop new skills, adapt to diverse professional environments, and explore industries and cultures, fostering both professional and personal growth.
  • Foreign workers hired through the LMIA program can work legally in Canada, offering financial stability and the chance to start a new chapter in a welcoming country.

 

LMIA Pathways Available

 

How to Apply for LMIA

For Employers

  • Submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
  • ESDC will review your application to ensure you meet the required standards and criteria.
  • If approved, you will receive a copy of the positive LMIA from ESDC.
  • You can then include the foreign worker’s name on the LMIA, enabling them to apply for a work permit. This step can also be done in advance during the application process.

For Foreign Workers

  • Submit a work permit application in accordance with the guidelines provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • IRCC will evaluate your application to confirm if you meet the necessary requirements.
  • Once approved, IRCC will issue a work visa for your entry into Canada.
  • Upon arrival in Canada, you will be granted a work permit.
  • Your work permit will require you to work specifically for the employer associated with the LMIA.

Common Reasons for LMIA Refusal

To improve your chances of approval, avoid these common pitfalls that often lead to LMIA refusals:

  • Failure to demonstrate sufficient efforts to hire Canadians, such as advertising jobs, attending job fairs, or using online platforms.
  • A history of LMIA revocation within the past two years.
  • Ongoing labor disputes or non-compliance with employment standards.
  • The business is deemed illegitimate or does not meet regulatory requirements.
  • Insufficient documentation supporting the foreign worker’s work permit application.
  • For workers: Lacking relevant work experience or qualifications for the role.
  • For workers: Inability to meet the required language proficiency levels.
  • For workers: A criminal record, particularly for serious offenses, may disqualify you.
  • For workers: Failure to meet the specific qualifications or requirements detailed in the job description.

Not Sure How to Proceed?

If your LMIA application has been refused for any of the reasons listed above, don’t lose hope. With over 10 years of experience, we specialize in handling cases with prior refusals. While we don’t provide job placements for LMIA, we can assist you if you already have a valid job offer.

Our team has successfully secured approvals for clients who faced multiple previous refusals. By taking a personalized approach, we address every concern raised in your past refusals. We leverage case law and reference similar situations where approvals were granted, using them as precedents to strengthen your application. This proven method is why we maintain a high success rate.

At Waymark Immigration, our dedicated visa application specialists are here to guide you every step of the way—from the initial application to obtaining your visa. Don’t wait—start your process today and take the next step toward your goals.

 

Why Chose Us ?

 

Personalized Assessment

 

  • Firstly, we will identify and understand your Canadian immigration needs and goals.
  • Then, we will assess your eligibility for various immigration programs accordingly.
  • We will recommend the best pathway for your immigration goals after assessment.
  • Any questions you have about the chosen pathway will be addressed along with any other concerns.

Tailored Approach

 

  • We'll create a custom Canadian immigration plan suited just for you according to the pathway selected.
  • Based on this plan, you'll receive a clear proposal from us outlining our services and payment structure, i.e., 50% before processing your file and 50% before submission.
  • Once the initial 50% payment is made, we'll share a comprehensive checklist to ensure everything is ready

Application Fulfillment

 

  • A case manager will be assigned to guide you and collect documents as per the checklist.
  • We’ll prepare a strong application within 7-10 business days.
  • Once your application is ready, we’ll send it to you for review and final approval.
  • After your approval, simply pay the remaining 50% payment, and your application will be submitted.

Trusted Partnership

 

  • Once your application is submitted successfully, we'll keep you informed at every stage of the process, from submission to decision.
  • Our ongoing support and guidance will help you achieve your immigration goals.
  • You can reach out to us to inquire about updates on your application.
  • If satisfied with our service, we hope you'll feel inclined to refer others to us.