In many cases, if you want to apply for a Canadian work permit, you will need a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assesment, known as “LMIA”.

What is a Labour Market Impact Assesment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an approval letter that an employer in Canada may need to receive before hiring a foreign worker.

A positive LMIA confirms that there is a necessity to hire a foreign worker in order to fill labour shortages. The employer must demonstrate that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

Foreign workers do not apply for LMIA themselves, their prospective employer does.