If any Canadian employer wants to recruit an temporary international worker they need to have positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Labour Market Impact Assessment is designed to safeguard the domestic job marketplace in Canada in addition to safeguard the international worker recruited in Canada temporarily. Only in few conditions a work permit is issued without LMIA.

There is a particular process to obtain LMIA. The Canadian employer will have to submit an application to qualify for the LMIA in Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Along with the application it is mandatory to submit a detailed list of Canadians who have applied for the same job and list of applicants who have been interviewed for this job. Also, the employer will have to give comprehensive clarification for why the local candidates were not considered for this job. ESDC can inspect the Canadian employers after a work permit has been issued.

To check the worthiness of the application the ESDC will examine:

• If there are any Canadian Nationals in the same area obtainable and ready to take this job offer?
• If the employer has made adequate attempt to recruit a Canadian worker for this job?
• If providing this job to a foreign worker will create or keep job in Canada?
• If this employer is providing the remuneration or salary at par with the average in that area for the given job and position?
• If the employer is providing proper working conditions approved by Canadian labour standards?
• Is there any current labour disputes going on in the industry where the job is being provided?

Once the ESDC is satisfied that the given area and industry are good enough to withstand foreign labour, a positive LMIA will be provided.

LMIAs are particular to employers, the job post being offered, and the area where the job is located. LMIA does not allow you to change your job or employer, or relocate to any other area in Canada after acquiring a work permit. In any of those occasion you need to apply for a new LMIA.