Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Helping Canadian Employers Hire Global Talent — Legally and Strategically

Canadian employers who wish to hire a foreign worker must often first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA confirms that there is no Canadian or permanent resident available to fill the position and that hiring a foreign national will not negatively impact Canada’s labour market.

At VM Immigration Services, we assist employers with end-to-end LMIA preparation and compliance, ensuring all documentation, advertising, and employment terms meet the rigorous standards set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and IRCC.

Legal purpose of the LMIA

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a mandatory regulatory step under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for most employer-specific work permit applications. Once a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign worker may apply for a work permit under section 203 of IRPR.

LMIA-based offers can also enhance a foreign worker’s eligibility for permanent residence under the Express Entry system, by awarding additional CRS points for a valid, supported job offer.

LMIA streams we handle:

  • High-Wage & Low-Wage Positions
  • Agricultural and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
  • Caregiver Stream (including In-Home Child and Support Worker positions)
  • Global Talent Stream (GTS) – for designated tech and innovation roles
  • Permanent Residence Support LMIAs (Express Entry job offer validation)

We also advise on transition plans, employer obligations, and post-LMIA compliance audits, as required by ESDC and IRCC.

Our legal services include:

  • Legal assessment of employer and position eligibility under federal immigration and labour laws
  • Preparation of Service Canada-compliant job advertisements
  • Completion of LMIA application forms, business legitimacy documents, and employment contracts
  • Wage assessments based on prevailing wage data and NOC classification
  • End-to-end submission and representation with Service Canada
  • Coordination of foreign worker’s work permit application with IRCC
  • Support with compliance inspections and audit readiness

 

Our team develops LMIA submissions that are comprehensive, legally compliant, and aligned with current regulatory standards, ensuring employers meet all Service Canada and IRCC obligations. We focus on accuracy and procedural integrity to minimize the risk of refusal, audit exposure, or non-compliance penalties, while supporting your workforce goals efficiently

Who We Represent

  • Canadian employers seeking to fill long-term labour shortages
  • Companies expanding operations and requiring international talent
  • Small businesses with niche hiring needs
  • Employers seeking to support foreign workers transitioning to permanent residence

 

We also work closely with foreign workers and their representatives to align work permit and PR applications with approved LMIAs, facilitating smooth transitions from temporary to permanent status.

Why Legal Representation Is Essential

The LMIA process is complex, time-sensitive, and highly scrutinized. Non-compliance, misrepresentation, or incomplete submissions can result in:
  • Application refusals
  • Delays in hiring
  • Ineligibility to participate in the TFWP
  • Employer inspections and penalties

At VM Immigration Services, we apply legal expertise, procedural accuracy, and strategic insight to every LMIA file—protecting your business and supporting your workforce needs.

Hire with Confidence. Comply with the Law.

If you are a Canadian employer planning to hire a foreign national, begin with a legally sound LMIA strategy. Trust VM Immigration Services to navigate Service Canada’s regulatory requirements and facilitate your hiring objectives with confidence.

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