Global Talent: LMIA & IMP Pathways

Tap into a worldwide talent pool to fill critical skill gaps and grow your company.

Canadian employers often face challenges in finding qualified local candidates for specialized roles. Hiring foreign workers offers a powerful solution, providing access to skilled professionals from around the globe to help your business thrive and innovate.

The two primary avenues for hiring foreign workers are the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and the LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program (IMP).

This document proves that no Canadian worker is available for a job. It is required for employers hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and ensures the foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

Some foreign worker programs are exempt from the LMIA requirement, allowing for a faster and more direct path to a work permit. These exemptions apply to specific situations, such as international agreements or jobs of significant benefit to Canada.

• Employers must demonstrate their business is active and compliant with federal and provincial laws. This includes proving they have a real need for the foreign worker and are able to pay the wages offered.
• The employer must fulfill all the specific requirements of the program they are using, whether it’s the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or an LMIA-exempt stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
• A formal, written job offer is mandatory. This document must clearly outline the job duties, pay, working conditions, and the duration of employment, ensuring full transparency with the prospective worker.

For TFWP applications, employers must conduct extensive recruitment efforts to prove no qualified Canadian worker is available for the role. This is a crucial and often time-consuming part of the process.

Once the foreign worker is hired, employers have a legal obligation to adhere to all terms of the employment contract and program rules. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and bans on future hires.

The specific requirements, documentation, and processing times can vary significantly depending on the job, the worker's nationality, and the specific program. It’s essential to understand these nuances to avoid delays or refusal.

Eligibility review, CRS score, and best pathways

Answers to questions on forms, and requirements

Our team handles the entire process, including talent sourcing, screening, and all immigration applications, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your new employee.

We collaborate with you to analyze your workforce needs and identify the most suitable immigration pathway, from LMIA-based options to various LMIA exemptions.

We ensure your new hires are set up for success by providing them with cultural coaching and resources to help them integrate into their new workplace and community.

We provide advice on your responsibilities as an employer, helping you stay compliant with all government regulations and avoid potential issues down the line.

Understanding the difference between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) is crucial for Canadian employers. The TFWP is designed to fill temporary labour shortages and requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

The LMIA process is rigorous, involving a mandatory recruitment campaign to prove that no Canadian…