Canada is a great place to work. The country is keen on discipline and competency. Work positions are readily available to everyone. What’s even more interesting is most Canadian employers seek foreign workers for specific roles in their companies.
As interesting as this may sound, there are procedures to become a legal worker in the country. The LMIA application process for employers in Canada (Processus de demande d’EIMT pour les employeurs au Canada) is a constitutional policy for hiring people from other countries into the Canadian industry. The government puts this in place to ensure the safety and welfare of Canadian workers and the labor market.
What are LMIA and Work Permits?
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), formerly known as Labor Market Opinion (LMO), is a set of documents a foreign worker requires to become a legal worker in the country. It is often initiated by Canadian employers willing to fly a foreign worker into the country for a particular work position.
A work permit consists of a document of proof for the required process to get a work position in any Canadian industry. The government introduced these measures to ensure the labor market is effective.
There are officials who need to evaluate factors such as the availability of Canadian workers and the skills possessed by foreign workers.
Obtaining a work permit in Canada involves adhering to guidelines. Certain documents and conditions must be met. A Canadian employer is required to submit an LMIA application at the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and receive a decision for their employee. The employee on the hand needs to review and provide the necessary documents.
The process of applying for an LMIA follows a step by step procedure. Both employers and workers have to work hand in hand for approval.
How is LMIA Important?
The labor market in Canada is functional and efficient. All industries provide the necessary amenities for employers and workers to thrive in the economy. LMIA sets guidelines for business and economic activities, favoring the worker, employers, and country.
The Canadian government wants what’s best for its citizens and workers. Hence, they set these guidelines to promote competency and make the market productive.
Without the LMIA application, there would be so many foreign workers displaced in several career positions and fields. What seems like a productive economy will begin to shrink and yield poor outcomes. This policy verifies the credibility of a worker coming into the country. It helps to do away with the negative impact on the state of its economy.
Requirements and Eligibility for LMIA
To get your LMIA application approved, you must file for one through a Canadian employer. The immigration experts in the country can help with the process. Providing an application form consisting of several documents and an employment letter is necessary. These documents may include:
Application Forms
- A Family Information Form [IMM 5707]
- Application for Work Permits Outside Canada [IMM 1295]
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]
- Authority to release personal information to a designated individual [IMM 5475] — this is optional and necessary if you wish for someone else to monitor the status of your application.
- Document checklist for a work permit [IMM 5488]
Supporting Documents
These are documents for backing up your application and may include:
- A copy of the LMIA
- An employment letter
- Proof that you meet the requirements for the position
- Applicable fees
- Photographs
- Other documents proving ties to the home country
Processes of Obtaining LMIA
Obtaining LMIA is for the benefit of both employers and foreign workers. The process involves both parties and a step-by-step guide:
1. Check your eligibility
Here’s the part where an individual examines whether he fits into the Canadian labor market. Foreign workers either request the service of an immigration expert or have an employer obtain LMIA decisions.
2. Research more information
Every country has specific procedures for leaving their homeland to a different place. Learn about what it takes to become a legal worker via an LMIA application.
3. Make necessary arrangements
Gather all necessary documents. Factors like the offered work position, application forms, and other supporting documents may determine these.
4. Submit application
Time to submit your documents alongside other requirements. Make sure all documents are up–to–date.
5. Wait for the application decision.
Go through the application decision to see where you fit in. Note that an employer is the one to obtain such a document.
6. What’s next?
Wait for approval, then file a request for a work permit. Seek help from immigration experts.
Final Thoughts
Labor Market Impact Assessment is a strategic policy that positively affects foreign workers and Canadian employers. It helps to create a compelling and safe work environment for Canadian workers and their international colleagues. This set of guidelines consists of the age, work position, skills, and status of workers and their ties to their countries.
While some foreign individuals may opt for a temporary position in any industry, a few workers obtain permanent roles. All in all, the policy is full of potential and aims to improve the economy.