What is LMIA Work Permit

What is the Application Process of LMIA?

To apply for an LMIA in Canada, an employer must follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
The first step in the LMIA application process is to determine if you are eligible to apply. You must be an employer in Canada who is unable or struggling to find a suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the job.

Step 2: Gather Information
Before you can submit an LMIA, you will need to gather a number of important pieces of information. This includes information about the job offer, such as the job duties, wage rate, and working conditions. You will also need to provide financial documents to demonstrate that you are capable of paying the wage and to show evidence of recruitment efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the job.

Step 3: Submit an LMIA Application
Once you have all of the required information, you can submit your LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You can do this online. There is a fee for LMIA applications, which must be paid at the time of its submission.

Step 4: Wait for Approval
Once you have submitted your LMIA application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time for LMIA applications can vary, but you can expect to wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once your application is assigned to an officer you may be contacted for additional information or to schedule a phone interview. The officer will issue a final decision when all information and documents are provided and assessed.

Step 5: Receive LMIA Approval Letter
If your LMIA application is approved, you will receive a document called a positive LMIA confirmation. This document will include the conditions of the LMIA, such as the wage rate, working conditions, and duration of the job offer. The decision letter will include the employer information, work location and the name of the worker(s). Presently the LMIA is valid for 18 months from the date it was issued, which means that the employer has this amount of time in which a candidate can submit their work permit application(s).

Step 6: Obtain Work Permit
With an approved LMIA in hand, the foreign worker can then apply for a closed work permit to enter Canada. The foreign worker must submit the positive LMIA confirmation with their work permit application.