A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a temporary foreign worker.

A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a temporary 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.

f 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 temporary foreign worker need

• a job offer letter
• a contract
• a copy of the LMIA, and
• the LMIA number

LMIA work Permit application is a two-step process.

To start an LMIA Work Permit application, your Canadian employer should provide you with a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment decision.

Note that the employer must submit your name to ESDC to assign the LMIA position specifically to you. This must be done before you submit the work permit application.

A complete LMIA Work Permit Application consists of application forms, supporting documents and the applicable processing fees.