Labour Market Impact Assessment

New Innovation Stream under the IMP

There are many options for foreign nationals in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector looking to work in Canada

Starting August 28, visitors in Canada on a temporary visa can no longer apply for work permits from within the country. This policy, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020, aimed to assist visitors stranded due to border closures.

Canada is starting a program called Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to help with worker shortages. 

You may be self-employed and still be eligible for Canadian immigration streams. Most economic immigration streams require proof of at least a year’s worth of work. 

The Canadian regions that could potentially see a reduction of temporary foreign workers due to Employment and Social Development Canada's (ESDC) recent policy include Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate equal to or higher than 6%. Based on the latest data, the following CMAs are likely to be affected:

An Iranian home renovation manager's work permit was denied by the Canadian Federal Court due to her IELTS score of 5.

ESDC has expanded the Global Talent Stream to a variety of eligible engineering positions.

General Requirements for All Travelers to Canada

The Significant Benefit Work Permit is a path to a work permit that does not require an LMIA.

The facilitated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) helps Quebec employers efficiently address labor shortages in the province.

Quebec has its own programs and criteria for foreign skilled workers hoping to settle in the province.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates in the Express Entry pool have not been invited to apply for permanent residence since the last-all program draw, nearly two months ago, on January 18.

IRCC publishes service standards indicating expected processing times for temporary residence applications. However, these are estimates and actual times can vary based on application details and processing locations.

Median hourly wages in all provinces and territories (except for Nunavut) will increase after May 31st.

Normally, processing involves an officer individually evaluating each work permit applicant to determine if they are approved. This includes a review of the applicant’s experience, education, language ability and any licensing requirements.

Quebec released its updated occupations list on February 24, 2023.

Starting September 3rd, Quebec will suspend processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for jobs in Montreal offering wages below $27.47 CAD per hour.

To help Canadian employers fill labour and skills gaps in their organizations when there are no qualified and available Canadians or permanent residents (PR), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) operates the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Employers in sectors like food manufacturing and construction can hire up to 30% of their workforce as temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions.