By default, the submission of an application for a work permit must be accompanied by the result of a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document whose objective is to show that no Canadians are available to fill said employment position. In most cases, the Canadian employer may need to obtain an LMIA before hiring a foreign worker, unless an exemption is applicable. We outline below the most common LMIA exemptions.
A positive LMIA confirms the need for an employer to hire a foreign worker to do the job. It also states that no Canadian worker is available. A favorable LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
However, some permits are exempt from this long and costly process. When evaluating options for a potential client, it is important to assess whether the prospect would qualify for an exemption.