DEFINITION:
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process undertaken by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. It is a crucial step for Canadian employers seeking to hire foreign workers temporarily.
FAQs:
1. What is the purpose of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
The purpose of an LMIA is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market. It evaluates whether there are Canadians or permanent residents available to perform the job offered and ensures fair practices in hiring foreign workers.
2. When is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required?
An LMIA is required when a Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign worker on a temporary basis, such as under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program. It does not apply to certain exempted job categories.
3. How does the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process work?
The LMIA process involves the employer submitting an application to ESDC, providing details about the job position, its requirements, and efforts made to hire Canadians. ESDC assesses the application, considers the impact on the Canadian labor market, and either approves or denies the LMIA request.
4. How long does it take to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
The processing time for an LMIA varies depending on the complexity of the application and the current workload of ESDC. Generally, it can take several weeks to several months for a decision to be reached. Employers should plan ahead and submit their LMIA application well in advance.
5. Is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) transferable to other employers or job positions?
No, an LMIA is specific to the employer, job position, and location mentioned in the application. If the foreign worker wishes to change employers or job positions, a new LMIA application must be submitted. The new employer would have to go through the LMIA process separately.