The positive LMIA is provided to the foreign worker to submit with his/her application for a work permit, which is typically issued for one year if granted.

LMIAs are overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and have an associated application fee of $1,000 for each temporary foreign worker position applied for.

There are shorter processing times of 10 days available for highest-demand, highest paid and shortest duration occupations, i.e. skilled trades within top 10% of pay bracket and for positions that are less than 120 days.

The LMIA process is different depending on whether the targeted employee is classified as “high-wage” or “low-wage”. Temporary foreign workers being paid under the provincial/territorial median wage are considered low-wage, while those being paid at or above are considered high-wage.

Depending on whether a prospective employee is classified as high-wage or low-wage, certain specific provisions apply.

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is also known as “LMO,” a document for an employer in Canada that is compulsory for hiring a foreign worker in most cases. A confirm nation letter is also known as a positive LMIA which shows the need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It also shows that no one Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do work or the job in Canada.

If the employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit. LMIA and work permits in Canada are very beneficial if you are interested in going there. But some requirements and eligibilities are most essential to get a visa from the Canadian embassy.