Please Note: We do not assist with finding a job in Canada. We provide legal services after you secure a job offer from a Canadian employer.
If you are not eligible for an open work permit, your prospective Canadian employer may have to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you can apply for a work permit. LMIA is an application made by the employer to Employment and Social Development Canada, Service Canada in order to get permission to hire a foreign worker. Many employers need an LMIA before they can hire a temporary foreign worker.
An LMIA application is required to prove that there is a need for a temporary worker and that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to do the job.
There are some jobs in Canada that are exempt from having an employer obtain an LMIA. Our immigration law group will assist your prospective employer to determine whether an LMIA application is required. Even if the job is LMIA-exempt, the employer must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay an employer compliance fee. Our team can assist your prospective employer with these steps. If the LMIA application is successful, we can prepare and submit your work permit application.
In order to obtain an LMIA, employers must advertise the position for at least four weeks and interview candidates who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The recruitment process is far from straightforward, as it varies depending on the stream. We often advise Canadian employers on advertising requirements and provide meaningful support with the LMIA application process under any stream.
