Five Things You Need to Know About Closed Work Permits - LMIAs

Understanding LMIAs for Foreign Workers in Canada

Some foreign workers in Canada require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to work, while others are exempt. An LMIA is a document that certain employers must obtain before hiring a temporary foreign worker, ensuring that the worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.

1. What is an LMIA?

An LMIA is a document that, when approved, confirms an employer's ability to hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA is sometimes referred to as a confirmation letter.

2. How Do I Know if I Need an LMIA?

Employers generally need an LMIA to hire foreign workers unless an exemption applies. The requirements and exemptions depend on various factors. For more details on LMIA requirements and exemptions, click here.

3. Why Do I Need Another LMIA to Extend My Work Permit?

Foreign nationals must ensure their LMIA is valid when applying for a work permit. If the initial LMIA expires, a new one is needed to extend the permit. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will reassess the application to confirm there are no available Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.

4. Do I Need an LMIA to Work in Canada as an Entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurs do not need an LMIA to apply for a work permit. However, they must prove that their business will create or maintain significant social, cultural, or economic benefits or create/maintain jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For more information, visit this LMIA Page.

5. How Can an LMIA Help Me Obtain More CRS Points as an Express Entry Applicant?

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates do not need an LMIA to be eligible, but obtaining an LMIA can still be beneficial. A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can provide additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

Recent IRCC News About LMIAs

On March 21, Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault announced changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The validity period of each LMIA will return to the pre-pandemic standard of Six Months, effective May 1, 2024. During the pandemic, LMIAs were temporarily valid for 12 months to ease labor market conditions.