What is the disadvantage of LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and assesses the impact that hiring a foreign worker would have on Canada’s labour market.

The LMIA process can be lengthy and time-consuming, taking up to 4 months. It involves a recruitment aspect where the employer posts the job posting on multiple job boards for at least 4 weeks and attempts to hire a Canadian worker.

The employer must receive a positive LMIA to support the work permit application. One of the main disadvantages of LMIA is that it can be difficult to obtain.

The employer must demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to hire a Canadian worker before they can hire a foreign worker.

This can be a challenge, especially in industries where there is a shortage of skilled workers. Another disadvantage of LMIA is that it can be expensive. Employers must pay a processing fee of $1,000 CAD per position.

Finally, the LMIA is only valid for a maximum period of 12 months2. This means that if the foreign worker wants to continue working in Canada after the LMIA expires, the employer must apply for a new LMIA.