The expanded form of LMIA is Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is an essential document for any employer wanting to hire any foreign worker in Canada. It is a document of approval issued by the Canadian Government to a particular employer. At first, efforts should be made to fill the position with a local Canadian worker instead. But even after taking several measures, if a suitable candidate does not fill that position, then a foreign worker is required for the role. In this case, an LMIA is needed.
After applying for the LMIA, the Employer will wait for a document of approval from the ESDC or Employment and Social Development Canada. This document is also called a "Confirmation Letter" as it proves an urgent need for a foreign worker. A positive LMIA indicates no Canadian worker is available to fill that particular position, thus permitting the employer to hire a foreign worker. A negative LMIA shows that there is a possibility that a Canadian worker is available for the job role. So, the employer has to select that individual.
After the employer receives the LMIA, the likely candidate can apply for the work visa & start their employment journey.
Updated Rules for LMIA Canada 2022
The LMIA rules have changed from last year. The updated rules are as follows:
- Division of Job System into two types: High Wage & Low Wage
If the salary meets or exceeds the median wage in the province of the job performed, it is a High Wage. If the salary is below the median wage, it is a Low Wage. - Increase in application fee of LMIA requests to $1000 per worker
The application fee for LMIA requests has increased to $1000 per worker. Earlier it was a $275 per worker fee for LMOs.
LMIA Processing Time
The number of LMIA applications in Canada is increasing yearly, which leads to longer processing times or delays in approval. Based on the job segment, it can take 7 to 33 business days. If you wish to accelerate your approval process, you can always contact agencies like ours at Vazir Group. We can help you with the stringent application process using our years of immigration expertise and an excellent network of Canadian employers.
Steps after LMIA Approval
After the LMIA application gets approved, the foreign worker can apply for the work permit by attaching a copy of the LMIA-approved document and Annexure A.
To apply for the work visa, a worker needs the following:
- Job Offer Letter
- Contract Letter
- Copy of the LMIA
- LMIA Number
The time for work permit approval depends upon the mode of application. It can take 1 to 27 weeks to process a Canadian Work Permit
How to Resolve Difficulties in the LMIA Process & Increase the Chances of Approval?
LMIA is a simple document that doesn't require huge technical skills for approval. But if you don't have any prior experience filling up foreign countries' forms, you must consult an expert instead. You can take guidance from someone whose application has been approved previously for the LMIA. But if you don't find anyone with an experience in this field, you can always opt for expert guidance. You can consult agencies like Vazir Group for skillful and professional support. We are one of the best in this field & can walk you through the entire process.
