LMIA Based Work Permit

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It confirms there is a need for a foreign worker and no Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the role. Certain Canadian work permits require an LMIA.

Two-Step Process

1. Employer applies for an LMIA through Service Canada. 2. Worker applies for a work permit through IRCC after the employer receives a positive LMIA.

The resulting work permit is employer-specific, meaning it includes:

• Job title
• Employer’s name
• Duration of employment

LMIA Work Permits by Skill Type

🔹 Skilled Work Permits (TEER 0–3)

These roles fall under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) and include management, professional, and technical jobs.

Requirements:

• 1–3 years of relevant work experience (or equivalent education)
• Proof of English or French language proficiency

🔹 Semi-Skilled Work Permits (TEER 4–5)

These roles include entry-level or lower-skilled positions. Requirements:

• High school education or on-the-job training
• Language skills in English or French
• Agricultural jobs may not require language or education but must meet other eligibility criteria.

Employer responsibilities may include:

• Return airfare
• Suitable accommodation
• Private health insurance
• Registration with provincial workplace safety programs

LMIA Work Permits by Wage Level

🔹 High-Wage Stream

A job offer is considered high-wage if it meets or exceeds the median hourly wage in the province or territory.

**Update (Nov 8, 2024): The wage threshold is now 20% higher than the regional median wage.

Employers must submit a Transition Plan, which includes:

• Canadian recruitment strategies
• Training and skill-building programs
• Milestones for reducing reliance on TFWs
• Targeted hiring efforts (e.g., Indigenous peoples, newcomers)
• Ongoing job postings for Canadians

👉 Check your province’s median wage

🔹 Low-Wage Stream

Jobs paying below the median provincial/territorial wage fall under the low-wage stream.

No Transition Plan is required, but employers must meet strict conditions.

Key requirements:

• Cover round-trip transportation for the worker
• Ensure affordable housing is available
• Provide private health insurance until public coverage applies
• Register with the workplace safety board
• Provide a signed employment contract

Low-Wage Worker Caps & Exemptions

To control access to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the government limits the number of low-wage workers an employer can hire.

Exemptions include:

• On-farm agricultural roles (NOC 80020, 82030, etc.)
• Caregiving jobs in health care (NOC 31301, 33102, etc.)
• Positions supporting PR through Express Entry
• Others (conditions apply)

Exemptions and policies may change. For accurate guidance, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or check with ESDC/IRCC.

How Can-X Punjab Can Help in LMIA based Work Permits?

Can-X Immigration provides end-to-end support for employers and foreign workers navigating the LMIA-based work permit process. We guide foreign workers through the work permit application process, ensuring your qualifications and documentation meet IRCC standards. With our expert advice, your chances of success and timely approval are significantly enhanced.

Contact Us to discuss your options