Labour Market Impact Assessment

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial step for Canadian employers who wish to hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available. It is a formal document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.

At Duggal Immigration Services, we guide employers through the complex LMIA process and assist foreign workers in leveraging LMIA-approved job offers to support their work permit or permanent residency applications. A positive LMIA can significantly improve a candidate’s chances under the Express Entry system or other federal immigration programs.

Who Needs an LMIA?

Canadian employers hiring a foreign national for a temporary or permanent position may require an LMIA, especially when the job is not exempt under international agreements or internal company transfers. LMIAs are essential for both high-wage and low-wage positions, and specific programs have tailored requirements.

Key Requirements of an LMIA

• Job Position: Must be a higher-skilled role listed under NOC (National Occupation Classification) skill type 0 or skill levels A and B.
• Full-Time Employment: The position must be for at least 30 hours per week.
• Non-Seasonal Job: The offer should be for ongoing work, not seasonal or short-term only.
• Minimum Duration: The job offer should be valid for at least one year.
• Recruitment Efforts: Employers must show they tried hiring Canadians or permanent residents before turning to foreign workers.

LMIA and Express Entry

Employers wishing to support an applicant under the Express Entry system must meet additional requirements. The job offer must align with one of the federal economic immigration programs such as:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

A valid LMIA-backed job offer can add up to 50–200 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

How We Can Help

• Advise employers on LMIA eligibility and documentation
• Prepare and submit LMIA applications to ESDC
• Assist with job descriptions, recruitment efforts, and compliance requirements
• Help foreign workers use LMIA for work permits or Express Entry applications
• Ensure applications meet current IRCC and ESDC policy standards

With Duggal Immigration Services, both employers and foreign workers can navigate the LMIA process confidently, backed by professional expertise and compliance with Canadian immigration law.