LMIA application process in Canada
The employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment, if necessary
Before a Temporary Work Permit can be issued, the Canadian employer who hires a temporary foreign worker must apply for a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by ESDC. Accordingly, ESDC grants a positive LMIA if the Canadian employer satisfies that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Employer extends Temporary Job Offer
After obtaining LMIA, the Canadian employer can provide a temporary job offer to the foreign worker. The employer must send a copy of the positive LMIA and a detailed job offer letter.
Foreign Worker applies for Work Permit
The candidate can apply to ESDC for a Canada Temporary Work Permit with these documents. If the Canadian employer that is hiring is in the province of Quebec, in that case, the foreign worker may also need to obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) to work temporarily in Quebec.
Foreign worker gets a Work Permit
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue the Canada Temporary Work Permit at the point of entry when the foreign worker arrives in Canada.