Whats is LMIA

On August 25th the Canadian government released a inconceivably helpful policy for Canadian employers. What we’re referring to of course is the LMIA policy (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Here’s what you need to know.

The LMIA is designed to help employers, struggling to find new workers, keep their international employees longer. The government of Canada has stated that, “Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country”.

Because of this new policy employers can choose to keep those already working for them when permits expire. This isn’t to say that workers don’t need a permit. What this means is that employees can continue working until their next permit is approved. LMIA policy allows for a gap between the previous permit and the next pending application.

The even better news is that the LMIA has taken effect immediately.

More details

Here’s a little bit more detailed information on what employees need to qualify for LMIA.

To be eligible, an applicant looking to benefit from this temporary public policy must have,

• valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply
• been in Canada on August 24, 2020 and remained in Canada
• a job offer
• submit an application for an employer-specific work permit that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, no later than March 31, 2021
• meet all other standard admissibility criteria

However, the only eligible applicants for LMIA are,

• super visa holders
• business visitors
• those who entered Canada through a Global Skills Strategy work permit exemption

There are however, more LMIA application restrictions and details to know for processing and filing these applications.

Final thoughts

The LMIA is a fantastic move by the Canadian government to help struggling business. It’s reported that many are having difficulty finding replacement help amid the pandemic even with high unemployment rates. However, the record high of 13% in May was cut by the some 488,000 full time jobs added to the economy in June. This brings the new unemployment rate down to 12.3% , still far from the 6% it was at earlier in the year. Furthermore, speculation has arisen around the Canadian CERB benefit, which may be causing more people to stay out of work longer.

For more information or with help applying for the LMIA program click the link.