If you’re an employer in Canada looking to hire foreign workers, navigating the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) process is crucial. The good news is that applying for an LMIA has become easier and more streamlined with the LMIA Online Portal.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this process seamlessly.

How to Apply for LMIA

The LMIA Online Portal serves as a reliable and secure platform for Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit LMIA applications to Service Canada. To get started, ensure you have a valid Job Bank account for Employers for authentication purposes. Once you have your Job Bank account set up, follow these steps:

1. Create Your Job Bank Account: If you don’t already have one, sign up for a Job Bank account. This account is essential for accessing the LMIA Online Portal.
2. Complete Your LMIA Application: Log in to your Job Bank account and navigate to the LMIA Online Portal. Here, you can submit your LMIA application 24/7, upload supporting documents, and securely pay LMIA fees if applicable. You can also monitor the status of your application in real-time.
3. Track Your Application: After submitting your LMIA application, you can track its status by logging into your LMIA Online account. This allows you to stay informed throughout the assessment process.

LMIA Application Requirements

When applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), applicants are required to submit hard copies of their applications by mail to the appropriate Service Canada Processing Centre. These applications must be accompanied by evidence demonstrating that the following criteria have been satisfactorily met:

1. Processing Fee: All LMIA applications entail a processing fee of CAD 1000, which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. However, certain applicants, particularly those under the LMIA category for in-home caregivers, may be exempt from this fee.
2. Business Legitimacy Documents: Applicants must provide documentation that verifies the employer’s status as a legitimate Canadian business.
3. Transition Plan: Employers are obligated to furnish a comprehensive plan detailing how they intend to address the necessity of hiring foreign nationals. Ultimately, the expectation is for employers to prioritize the hiring of Canadian citizens and permanent residents over Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).
4. Recruitment Efforts: Evidence of substantial efforts made by employers to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents for the position in question before considering TFWs must be submitted.
5. Wages: LMIA applications should contain detailed information regarding the wages offered to TFWs. This is crucial for distinguishing between high-wage and low-wage positions, ensuring that TFWs receive equitable compensation comparable to their Canadian counterparts for their labor.

Next Steps After LMIA Application Approval

Once your LMIA application is approved, the next crucial step is to facilitate the foreign worker’s work permit application. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Provide Necessary Documents: Send a copy of the LMIA approval letter and Annex A to the foreign worker. These documents are essential for their work permit application.
2. Foreign Worker’s Work Permit Application: The foreign worker should apply for a work permit using the documents provided, including the job offer letter, contract, and copy of the LMIA with the LMIA number.

The LMIA application process is essential for Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers. With the LMIA Online Portal, the application process has become more accessible and convenient. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can submit your LMIA application with confidence and efficiently facilitate the work permit process for foreign workers.

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