An LMIA is a document that legitimizes the request of a Canadian employer that there’s a genuine requirement to hire a foreign worker.
In a positive LMIA, it will be confirmed that the employer needs a foreign worker to fill a job vacancy as no permanent resident or Canadian worker is available to do the job. Another name for a positive LMIA is a “confirmation letter”.
The employer has to make sure that in a particular scenario, an LMIA is needed. Then the employer has to apply for one.
After the employer obtains the LMIA, the foreign worker can lodge an application for a Canada work permit. For this the foreign worker needs the following:
- a letter offering the job in Canada
- a contract that’s drawn with the employer
- a copy of the LMIA
- the LMIA number