Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times (2024)

FAQs

How much time does it take to approve LMIA? ›

The LMIA processing time can vary based on the stream chosen and typically ranges from 2 weeks to 3 months. LMIA Decision: The LMIA process concludes with an LMIA decision.

Once Service Canada has completed the assessment of an LMIA application, the employer and third party contact (if applicable) will receive an email advising that a decision has been made. You might need to check your spam or junk folder for this email.

Applicants with an LMIA for employment as a senior manager (NOC 00) described under the National Occupational Code, will receive 200 points. Applicants with an LMIA for employment under all other occupations described under the National Occupational Code (NOC 0, A and B), will receive 50 points.

However, not all LMIA applications sail through smoothly – some may face rejection. While this can be disheartening, it's crucial to understand that there are steps you can take to address and rectify the situation.

Processing times of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications can vary for many reasons, including the number of applications received by the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.

There are over 1000 companies on the Canada Government website that have been approved for LMIA.

If an exemption code applies to you, you do not need to apply for an LMIA. Be sure to include the exemption code on your offer of employment to your prospective employee. Yes, a foreign worker is allowed to work in their country of residence while they wait for a final decision on their LMIA application.

The authority approves LMIA based on the application submitted by the employer. After LMIA approval, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. The criteria for an LMIA work permit would depend on the type of job. Furthermore, the expatriate employee should apply for a temporary resident visa if needed.

Qualifying Job Offer from A Canadian Employer (LMIA supported) Under the Comprehensive Ranking System, applicants with arranged employment (qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment) are awarded 600 points.

Receiving a positive LMIA for an arranged employment offer does not allow a skilled foreign worker to automatically immigrate to Canada. For skilled foreign workers to become permanent residents, they must meet all the requirements under the Express Entry immigration process.

Is LMIA easy for Canada? ›

How difficult is it to get a positive LMIA? The LMIA process serves as proof that no Canadian citizen and/or permanent resident is ready, willing, and able to fill a specific position in Canada. The process is difficult, and onus is on the employer/company to demonstrate that there is a genuine labour shortage.

Drawbacks of an LMIA

The process of obtaining a positive LMIA can be long and complex. It requires the employer to demonstrate that they have searched for, and been unable to find, a Canadian or permanent resident to fill the position. This can be difficult to prove, and the application process can be time consuming.

It's fake! Stop asking the same question! Only employers can obtain LMIA, not potential employees from outside Canada. So you have a fake useless piece of paper worth nothing!

How much does it cost to apply for an LMIA? The application fee for an LMIA is CAD $1,000. There is also a CAD $100 Privilege Fee. What are the requirements for a work permit with a positive LMIA?

Once the positive LMIA letter is received, it is the employer's responsibility to: send a copy of this letter and Annex A to the foreign worker; ask the foreign national to apply to the appropriate Canadian Visa Office, for a permanent resident visa to immigrate to Canada, or/and for a work permit.

Permanent resident visa

Receiving a positive LMIA for an arranged employment offer does not allow a skilled foreign worker to automatically immigrate to Canada. For skilled foreign workers to become permanent residents, they must meet all the requirements under the Express Entry immigration process.

Processing fee. You must pay $1,000 for each position requested to cover the cost of processing your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. The processing fee payment (in Canadian dollars) can be made by: Visa.