LMIA & work permit applications

There are two ways employers can support the permanent residence or temporary residence (work permit) application of a prospective employee:

1. Through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, a program run by Employment and Social Development Canada; or
2. Through job offer under a Provincial Nominee Program (for example Ontario's OINP).

Both programs are entirely different in terms of employer eligibility, the application process, costs, and other necessary criteria. In most cases, a positive LMIA letter is a necessary requirement for a work permit application, unless the applicant qualifies for an open work permit (for example a post-graduate work permit, or PR applicants under the family class category). A positive LMIA letter is also used as confirmation of a job offer which Express Entry applicants can use to obtain additional 50 or 200 points in support of their PR application. A positive LMIA letter will be issued after Employment and Social Development Canada is satisfied that an employer has made genuine efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering the job to a foreign national. A positive LMIA letter will substantially increase the applicant's Canada immigration chances by enhancing their CRS score under the Express Entry system.

If you are a Canadian employer and need to support a worker's work permit or PR application through the LMIA process, we can provide professional assistance throughout the process.

CANADIAN COMPANIES & BUSINESSES:

Today's global marketplace invariably requires Canadian companies and businesses to keep looking for new talent from overseas.  To stay competitive in the market, businesses not only need to arrange new foreign workers quickly but to effectively retain existing foreign workers by taking care of their immigration law matters. New recruits and existing foreign employees constantly need support in their immigration matters. We offer our legal immigration support and personal attention tailored to the needs of your existing or prospective employees, such as:

• Obtaining new work permits (Labour Market Impact Assessment applications);
• Extending existing work permits, or obtaining bridging work permits;
• Study permits, and temporary resident visas for family members of employees;
• Obtaining permanent residence (through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and family sponsorships);
• Renewing PR cards, and advising on permanent resident status;
• Obtaining Canadian citizenship and advising on citizenship issues;
• Advising employers regarding immigration laws and obligations, compliance and audits; and
• Advising on and preparing applications relating to inadmissibility.