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Young Business Owner

HIRE A FOREIGN WORKER

LIMA - Required Work Permit

What is LIMA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker. The employer must achieve a positive or neutral LMIA from ESDC - Employment and Social Development Canada when they are satisfied that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to do the job. With the positive LMIA, the foreign national can then apply for their work permit, and move to Canada to begin working for their employer. Additionally, with an LMIA, the foreign national can add extra points, 50 points for NOC 0, A or B and 200 points for NOC 00, for their permanent residence application.

Business Meeting

Employer's Obligations

These are the requirements that employers have to follow:

- Ensure to comply with all of the conditions and requirements as outlined in the LMIA application, the LMIA decision letter and annexes.

- Informa ESDC any changes or errors relating to the approved LMIA or the foreign worker

- Keep all records relating to the LMIA application and any relevant documents demonstrating their compliance with the program conditions for a period of six years.

Document with Pen

How to get an LMIA?

If you need an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), determine the type of program you are hiring through as there is a difference in the LMIA application process.

Programs: 

  • high-workers

  • low-wage workers

  • workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

  • workers through the Agricultural Stream

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Business Legitimacy

Depending on your history with the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and the type of LMIA application you are filing, you may be required to submit extra business legitimacy documentation to prove that your business and job offer are real:

  • In the last two years, I've received a positive LMIA decision; and

  • My most recent LMIA result was positive.

The application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment and any accompanying papers to ensure that the company:

  • has never been in trouble with the law

  • can meet all of the job offer's requirements

  • is running a business or offering a service in Canada

  • is offering jobs that is in accordance with the company's objectives

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