Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Most foreign nationals require a work permit to be employed in Canada. Work permits fall into two main categories: those that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and those that are exempt from needing an LMIA.
For Canadian immigration, the term “work” is broadly defined as any activity where wages or commissions are earned, or that competes with jobs performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, regardless of how long the work lasts. Typically, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed to show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian workers. Usually, a job offer from a Canadian employer is required to apply for a work permit. In some cases, Canadian immigration rules allow open work permits, which are not tied to a specific employer. Work permits are generally temporary but can often be renewed within Canada. Below is a helpful guide on how to apply for a Canadian temporary work permit.
What is a Labour Market
Impact Assessment?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.
Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.
To apply for a work permit, a worker needs:
Job offer letter
Contract
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program enables graduates from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to receive an open work permit, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled work experience earned in Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 through the PGWP can help graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada under the Canadian Experience Class within the Express Entry system.
Bridging Open Work Permit (for PR Applicants)
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working in Canada while you wait for a decision on your permanent residence application. You could qualify if you have applied under one of these permanent residence programs:
Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class
Agri-Food Pilot
Work Permit Eligibility for Family Members of Foreign Workers
Starting January 30, 2023, most family members of foreign workers can apply for an open work permit. However, some exceptions apply to relatives of low-skilled workers.
You may qualify for this temporary program if you are a family member of a principal foreign worker in Canada who is one of the following:
High-skilled worker
Low-skilled worker
Work permit holder who has applied or will apply for permanent residency through an economic immigration pathway
