LABOUR MARKET IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Low Wage or High Wage
Depending on the position that you are applying for an application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can be applied for under the low-wage or high-wage application.
Dual Intent
Employers can apply for a Dual Intent Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if they are offering a skilled position. If approved the LMIA can be used by the foreign national to apply for permanent residency in Canada. If a work permit is applied for with the LMIA they will be eligible for a work permit that is valid for two years.
Recruitment
At Kayl Immigration Services, we offer specialized recruitment services to support Canadian employers seeking local and foreign talent. Whether you're hiring within Alberta, British Columbia, or Saskatchewan, we assist in finding skilled candidates that meet your business needs, across all industries. Our recruitment process is designed to make the hiring experience smoother and more efficient, ensuring access to qualified professionals while complying with immigration regulations for foreign hires. We're dedicated to helping employers connect with the right talent for the success and growth of their business.
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If you’re ready to take the next step with your LMIA application or have questions,
Kayl Immigration Services is here to assist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker when they can’t find a suitable Canadian or permanent resident for the job.
It confirms that the hiring of a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
An LMIA is typically required for closed work permits.
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Low-Wage Positions: Jobs with wages below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. Employers must meet specific conditions, like a cap on the number of foreign workers and providing a transportation plan for the worker.
High-Wage Positions: Jobs with wages at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. Employers must submit a transition plan to show efforts to recruit Canadians or permanent residents in the long term.
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Dual intent refers to an applicant’s intention to:
Work temporarily in Canada with a valid work permit.
Pursue permanent residency in the future.
Applicants with dual intent are allowed to apply for a work permit through an LMIA while simultaneously pursuing permanent residency programs like Express Entry.
Officers assess each application on its own merits, ensuring the individual meets the requirements for both temporary and future permanent stays.
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LMIA processing times vary depending on the stream:
High-Wage & Low-Wage Streams: 8-12 weeks on average.
Global Talent Stream (for certain high-skilled positions): Approximately 2 weeks.
Timelines depend on the completeness of the application and the employer’s compliance with recruitment requirements.
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Once an LMIA is approved, the employer provides the worker with:
The positive LMIA document
A formal job offer letter
The foreign worker uses these documents to apply for a closed work permit, which ties them to the specific employer and role mentioned in the LMIA.
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For low-wage LMIAs, employers must:
Provide a transportation plan covering costs for the worker’s travel to Canada and back home.
Ensure affordable housing is available for the worker.
Adhere to a 10% cap on the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers (TFWs) per location.
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The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track LMIA program for employers hiring highly skilled workers in technology or specialized occupations. Key features include:
2-week processing time
No recruitment requirement for some occupations
High-skilled positions, such as software engineers, IT specialists, and researchers