LMIA-Based Work Permit

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) regularly assesses the Canadian job market in relation to the available skills in the labour market. This work permit is issued only on the basis of an ESDC labour market impact assessment (LMIA) granted to the Canadian employer that confirms there is no Canadian available to do the job. ESDC will look at the employer’s advertising efforts and the labour market for that job.

As well, ESDC will ensure that the wages and working conditions being offered to a foreign national are equivalent to what a Canadian would be paid for the same work. In addition, ESDC will consider how the employer will transition to a Canadian workforce. Whether skills and knowledge transfer would result from confirming the foreign worker and whether the work is likely to create other jobs for the benefit of Canadians or permanent residents.

You can contact us for any questions on your eligibility to apply for a LMIA based work permit