LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for positions where they cannot find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Before applying for LMIA, Canadian employers must conduct a comprehensive recruitment process to determine that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the position. If the employer can demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents and no qualified candidates are available, they can apply for an LMIA.
LMIA is divided into two categories - high-wage and low-wage. High-wage positions are those that offer wages above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. Low-wage positions are those that offer wages below the median hourly wage.
There are different LMIA streams available, such as the Global Talent Stream, which provides a faster processing time for highly skilled workers, and the Agricultural Stream, which is designed to support the agricultural sector's labour needs.
LMIA is a crucial requirement for foreign workers seeking to obtain a work permit in Canada. It is important to note that having an LMIA does not guarantee a work permit, and foreign workers must still meet all the other requirements for obtaining a work permit in Canada.
Overall, LMIA is a valuable tool for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when they cannot find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents. With LMIA, employers can access a wider pool of qualified workers and contribute to the growth and development of their business.
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