The government of Canada often requires an employer to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order to hire foreign workers. If approved, this application gives the employer permission to hire a foreign worker on a temporary basis and is based on labour or skills shortages in Canada that have prevented the employer from filling a position.
Employers will apply through the High-wage or Low-wage position streams. The stream selected is based on whether the hourly wage offered to the worker falls above or below the province’s or territory’s median wage.
The process begins with the employer applying for the LMIA. If successful, that employer receives approval from the government of Canada to proceed with hiring a foreign worker to fill the gap that can’t be filled with existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Then the process begins involving the employee.
In most cases, as the prospective employee, you will have had to have received a job offer from an employer for a Canadian-based position in order to submit an application for a work permit. The job offer will need to include the length of time for the work period as well as the LMIA to show the company’s need for a foreign worker.
In addition to including a job offer with an LMIA with your work permit application, you will need to follow a number of other requirements. A few of these are:
- prove that you will leave the country after your work permit expires.
- not work for any employers who have failed to comply with the employment standards or businesses who engage in the sex trade.
- get a security and background check and submit the police clearance certificate.
- have a medical exam.
- have enough funds to support yourself and your family members for the entire stay in Canada.
The process for applying for a work permit varies depending upon whether you are currently in Canada or in a different country. Please reach out to us for guidance as we can help you determine the next steps for your circumstances.
