Are you looking to hire foreign workers for your business? If so, you may need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Before submitting an LMIA application, there are several steps that employers must take in order to ensure they meet all the requirements of the program. In this article, we will discuss what employers should do before applying for a LMIA. We’ll cover topics such as creating job postings, recruiting Canadian citizens or permanent residents first, and more. By following these tips, employers can help increase their chances of receiving approval on their LMIA application quickly and efficiently. Let’s get started.
What is LMIA?
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requires employers who wish to hire temporary foreign workers to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA is an assessment of the potential impact that hiring a foreign worker may have on the job market in Canada. Before they can grant an LMIA, ESDC will review the job offer and assess the potential impact on Canadian citizens or permanent residents to ensure that hiring a foreign worker is not taking away job opportunities from Canadians.
What Should Employers do Before Applying for LMIA?
1. Create Job Postings: It is important for employers to advertise the job vacancies they wish to fill with foreign workers. This includes posting relevant job openings on online job search sites, such as Indeed and Monster, as well as in newspapers and other print media. This must be done before submitting a LMIA application so that ESDC can verify that these job postings were active and accessible to Canadians.
2. Recruit Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents First: As part of the LMIA process, employers must demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents first before applying for a foreign worker. This is done by showing proof of outreach efforts such as advertising in local newspapers or job search sites, as well as attending local job fairs.
3. Provide Details about the Foreign Worker: The LMIA application must include detailed information about the foreign worker who is seeking employment in Canada. This includes information such as their education and work experience, as well as copies of valid work permits (if applicable).
4. Submit a Detailed Job Offer: The job offer must include detailed information about the position, such as duties and responsibilities, salary rate, hours of work, etc. This is to ensure that foreign workers are not taken advantage of in any way by their employers.
5. Pay an LMIA Processing Fee: Finally, employers must pay a fee to cover the cost of processing the LMIA application. This fee is currently set at $1,000 per foreign worker and is non-refundable even if the LMIA application is not approved.
Conclusion
Submitting a LMIA application can be a complex process, but the effort is worth it if you are looking to hire foreign workers. By following the tips we have outlined in this article, employers should find themselves better prepared when they submit their applications. From creating job postings and recruiting Canadian citizens or permanent residents first to providing details about the foreign worker and submitting a detailed job offer, these steps will help ensure that your LMIA application meets all of ESDC’s requirements. Finally, make sure that you pay the processing fee before submitting your application so that there are no delays with its review. Good luck!
