LMIA

Canadian employers are required to obtain a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada stating that they can hire the temporary worker. This is known as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) gives an employer permission to hire a temporary foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and no Canadian worker is available to do the job.

Skilled work permits are obtained in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B.  Generally, for skilled work permits, applicant need to have 1-3 years of experience depending upon the occupation and in certain cases only relevant education can fulfill the job requirements. Applicants also need to prove their English or French language skills to meet the job requirements.

Semi-Skilled work permits are obtained in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level C & D. Semi-Skilled work permits require maximum of high school education or job specific training. Applicants also need to prove their English or French language skills to meet the job requirements.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) helps you to hire temporary foreign workers to address labour and skill shortages. Once an LMIA is issued you should provide every temporary foreign worker with a copy of the confirmation letter and tell them to apply for a work permit.