If you’re a foreign worker seeking employment in Canada, you may have heard of the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) certificate.
This crucial document is a prerequisite for work permits in Canada, and it plays a significant role in ensuring that Canadian employers hire foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available. If you need to get your LMIA as a foreign worker in Canada, this article will show you the steps to follow.
What is an LMIA Certificate?
An LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market.
Realistically, it verifies that there is a legitimate need for hiring a foreign worker because no Canadian workers are available for the job. To get your LMIA certificate follow the steps below.
Check if you’re eligible
Not everyone is eligible for an LMIA certificate. Before you start the process, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Your employer must have attempted to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position but couldn’t succeed before they met you.
- Your job offer must comply with the relevant federal or provincial/territorial employment standards.
- You must have the required qualifications, training, and experience for the job.
Employer’s application
Before you get your LMIA certificate, your Canadian employer will play a crucial role. They will need to submit an LMIA application on your behalf.
Don’t worry, the process is quite simple:
- They will need to complete the LMIA application form (EMP5602).
- Pay the processing fee.
- Submit all required documents, including the job offer, proof of recruitment efforts, and information about the company.
That’s all they need to submit during the application for an LMIA certificate.
Wait for processing
After your employer applies, it will be processed by Service Canada. You need to be patient during this stage because it can take several weeks or even months.
Positive LMIA result
If the LMIA application is approved, it means that Service Canada has determined that there is a genuine need to hire a foreign worker for the job.
Your employer will receive a positive LMIA result letter. This positive LMIA result letter is your “LMIA certificate”. You will use it to apply for your work permit.
Your work permit application
With the positive LMIA result, you can now apply for a work permit by following the procedure below:
- Gather all required documents for a work permit, they include your job offer, positive LMIA result, your passport, and proof of funds.
- Complete the work permit application form (IMM 1295).
- Pay the processing fee for the work permit application and submit your application.
Wait for work permit approval
Once you’ve submitted your work permit application, you need to wait for it to be processed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The processing times depend on the number of applications received within the time you applied and your circumstances.
Travel to Canada
If your work permit is approved, you can make preparations to travel to Canada and start your job. Your LMIA certificate is your backbone if you are a foreign worker seeking jobs in Canada.
It isn’t easy to obtain but if you get a Canadian employer who is convinced about your skill and ready to assist in getting the LMIA certificate, you will be on your way to Canada.
Before you submit your application for a work permit ensure you meet other requirements for a work permit, LMIA is just one of the many requirements to get a work permit in Canada. Canada is a great place to work. It can be stressful to get a job in Canada as a foreigner but it’s worth it, Canadian employers pay high.
More Related Content
- Documents Required to Apply for an Open Work Permit in Canada
- Factory Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship – Apply Now!
- How to Secure a Job Offer in Canada with LMIA – A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
- Cheapest Method to Move to Canada from Africa
- Canada Student Visa – How to Apply for Canada Student Visa
 certificate.){kind=link}