LMIA stands for “Labour Market Impact Assessment.” It is not a type of visa but rather a crucial document required for employers in Canada who wish to hire foreign workers.

An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), formerly known as Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). It assesses the likely impact that hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market. The purpose of the LMIA process is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect job opportunities or wages for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Employers in Canada typically need to obtain a positive LMIA before they can hire a foreign worker for a specific job position. The process involves demonstrating that efforts have been made to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position and that there are no qualified Canadians available to fill the job.

Once an employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to legally work in Canada. The LMIA serves as evidence that the job offer is genuine and that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position.