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At Wild Mountain Immigration, we simplify the Labour Market Impact Assessment process, ensuring you can retain or hire the best foreign workers seamlessly.
Why choose us?
Expert Guidance
Our experienced consultants with a deep understanding of Canadian immigration laws and regulations can guide you through the process of hiring foreign workers.
Personalized Approach
We offer personalized services tailored to your specific situation, ensuring the best approach to meet your hiring needs. So you can spend time on your business.
Efficient and Stress-free
Our time-saving and stress-reducing solutions handle all the details of the immigration process while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, rules, and laws.
What is the process?
Let us guide you through the steps of hiring or retaining foreign workers through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) stream with Wild Mountain Immigration.
Stage 1 | Determine Appropriate LMIA Streams
Stage 2 | Check Business Legitimacy
Stage 3 | Job Postings
Stage 4 | Information Gathering
Stage 5 | LMIA Application Submission
Stage 6 | Work Permit Applications
Stage 1 | Determine Appropriate LMIA Streams
Stage 2 | Check Business Legitimacy
Stage 3 | Job Postings
Stage 4 | Information Gathering
Stage 5 | LMIA Application Submission
Stage 6 | Work Permit Applications
Frequently asked questions
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them.
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that Canadian employers need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as an evaluation by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job, and no Canadian worker is available to do so.
The processing time for an LMIA application can vary depending on factors such as the type of application, the specific LMIA stream, and the current workload of ESDC. On average, processing times can range from a few weeks to several months. It is essential to plan ahead and submit your LMIA application well in advance of the intended employment start date.
The government processing fee for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application is currently set at CAD 1,000 per position requested. This fee is payable to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) when submitting your LMIA application.
In addition to the LMIA processing fee, there may be other government fees associated with the foreign worker’s work permit application.
For instance, the foreign worker will need to pay a processing fee to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when applying for their work permit. As of August 2023, the fee for a work permit application is CAD 155.
Please note that fees may change over time, so it is always a good idea to check the latest information on the IRCC website or consult with an immigration professional.
There are several LMIA streams tailored to specific needs and circumstances, including:
- High-wage stream: For positions with a wage at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
- Low-wage stream: For positions with a wage below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
- Permanent resident stream: For employers seeking to hire foreign workers for permanent positions in Canada, who will be supported through the LMIA process to obtain permanent residency.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): For hiring temporary foreign workers for specific agricultural work on a seasonal basis.
- Agricultural stream: For hiring temporary foreign workers for on-farm primary agriculture positions that are not covered by the SAWP.
- In-home caregiver stream: For hiring foreign caregivers to provide in-home care for children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
- Global Talent Stream: For hiring highly skilled workers in specific occupations, typically in the technology sector.
Each stream has its own set of requirements and procedures that employers must follow to ensure a successful application.
To be eligible for an LMIA, your business must be actively operating and providing goods or services related to the job offer. Additionally, your business must be financially stable and have a good compliance history with Canadian labor and employment laws.
It’s essential to demonstrate a genuine need for the foreign worker and provide evidence that you have made efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents without success.
The duration of an LMIA-based work permit depends on the job offer, the employer’s needs, and the specific LMIA stream. Generally, work permits issued under an LMIA-based closed work permit can be valid for up to 24 months or the duration of the job offer, whichever is shorter. However, for high-wage positions, work permits can be valid for up to 36 months or the duration of the job offer, whichever is shorter.
In some cases, work permits may be issued for shorter or longer periods, depending on the circumstances. It is important to note that work permits may be extended, depending on the foreign worker’s eligibility and the employer’s continued need for their services.
Yes, you can retain a current foreign employee through an LMIA. If your employee’s work permit is nearing expiration and they are not eligible for any work permit extensions, you can apply for an LMIA to support their application for a new work permit. By obtaining a positive LMIA for the position, you can demonstrate that there is still a need for the foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to fill the role.
Schedule a Free 15 Minute Consultation
Don’t navigate the complexities of the LMIA process alone. Discover how Wild Mountain Immigration can streamline your path to hiring or retaining top foreign workers.
