When a Canadian or foreign company intends to hire a foreign worker to work in Canada, a Labour Market Impact Assessment is usually required stating that the worker can be hired. The LMIA verifies that there is a need for a temporary worker, that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job and that the employer has met job offer commitments to temporary foreign workers they have hired in the past. For most LMIAs, the employer must advertise the position across the Canadian job market for a minimum of 4 weeks before submitting an LMIA application. A positive LMIA must be obtained by Service Canada before applying for a work permit.

If the employment is located in the province of Quebec, the employer must also obtain approval of the LMIA by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration. Employers hiring for a workplace situated in the province of Quebec must submit LMIA applications simultaneously to Service Canada and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration. Employers must also apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in addition to the Quebec LMIA.

To know more about the requirements to obtain a Quebec LMIA, a related work permit, the steps in the application process, or if your application has been refused,please CONTACT US to schedule a legal consultation.