Understanding LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment
An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers may be required to obtain prior to hiring foreign workers. An LMIA is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada-ESDC and serves to gauges the impact that hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market: positive, neutral, or negative.
Types of LMIA
- High-Wage LMIA:
- For those positions offering salaries above the provincial or territorial median wage.
- Employers must provide a detailed transition plan that indicates efforts to be made in hiring Canadians in the near future.
- Low-Wage LMIA:
- Applicable for jobs whose wages are below the median wage
- Employers are subject to stricter caps on the number of foreign workers they can hire.
- LMIA for Global Talent Stream :
- A stream aimed at streamlining the hiring of highly skilled foreign talent in technology and engineering sectors.
- LMIA for Agricultural Workers
- For temporary foreign workers employed in farming and agricultural industry.
How Job Bank Canada and LMIA Work Together
Job Bank Canada is usually a crucial tool for an employer in their LMIA application. Here is how these two systems are interlinked:
- Labour Market Advertisement:
- Under the LMIA process, Canadian employers are required to advertise the job vacancy for the availability of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who can take up the said employment.
- Job Bank Canada is one of the qualified media for posting such job advertisements.
- Proof of Recruitment Efforts:
- Employers must demonstrate they made genuine efforts to hire locally before seeking foreign workers.
- Posting on Job Bank Canada is essential in providing this proof.
- Streamlining Job Applications:
- Foreign workers can browse LMIA-approved job postings on Job Bank Canada, simplifying their job search process.
Steps to Use Job Bank Canada for LMIA Jobs
For Employers
- Create a Job Bank Account:
- Register on the Job Bank Canada website and provide business credentials for verification.
- Post a Job Vacancy:
- Clearly outline the job requirements, including education, experience, and skills.
- Mention if the position requires an LMIA.
- Meet Advertising Requirements:
- Advertise the job for a minimum of four weeks on Job Bank and other platforms to comply with LMIA regulations.
- Submit LMIA Application:
- Apply to ESDC with evidence of recruitment efforts, including job postings on Job Bank Canada.
For Job Seekers
- Sign Up on Job Bank Canada:
- Create a free account to access personalized job recommendations.
- Look for LMIA-Approved Jobs:
- Use filters such as “Jobs for Foreign Workers” or “LMIA-approved jobs” to narrow down opportunities.
- Apply Directly:
- Apply directly through Job Bank Canada or send an application as instructed by the employer.
- Prepare for Immigration:
- If selected, work with your employer to secure the necessary work permit and LMIA approval.