Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Before a temporary worker may apply for a work permit, the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada that allows a company to engage a temporary employee.
An employer in Canada may be required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before recruiting a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA indicates that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. It will also reveal that there is no Canadian worker or permanent resident who is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is the name given to a positive LMIA.
If an LMIA is required, the employer must apply for one. The worker can apply for a work permit once the LMIA is received by the company. A worker must meet certain requirements in order to apply for a work visa: The following are needed:
- a letter of employment offer
- a legal agreement (Contract)
- a copy of the LMIA with code