What does the facilitated LMIA process change for an employer?

The facilitated process lets you apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment for selected specialized occupations without enclosing proof of recruitment efforts. You must still make best efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first. Officials can ask for more documents if they have reason to believe no recruitment was attempted.

For a high-wage position, a transition plan is not required on the first LMIA for the same occupation at the same location; it is required from the second application onward. Employment can be requested for up to three years, in line with reasonable business needs. For a low-wage position, the maximum duration you may request is one year, and extra rules apply.

The application must be filed at the same time with Employment and Social Development Canada and the Government of Quebec, and it must be submitted in French. The wage must match what local workers are paid in the same occupation and area. See ESDC’s facilitated LMIA process.