What is LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.

A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.

Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.

To apply for a work permit, a worker needs:

• a job offer letter,
• a contract,
• a copy of the LMIA, and
• the LMIA number.

What is Owner Operator LMIA?

The Owner Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) pathway is a great option for foreign nationals who are looking to become permanent residents and settle in Canada as business owners and operators. To facilitate admission into Canada under the Owner Operator LMIA stream, a foreign national must have a controlling share (50.1%+) in an existing Canadian business or launch their own business in Canada in which they have a controlling interest. The Owner Operator LMIA pathway is most suitable for three types of individuals looking to become permanent residents of Canada.

• Foreign nationals that have an established business in their home country or in several countries and are looking to launch their business in Canada by obtaining an Owner Operator LMIA;
• Foreign nationals who have the financial assets to launch a new business in Canada and be approved for an Owner Operator LMIA; and or
• Foreign nationals who have the financial assets to purchase an existing business in Canada to become the Owner Operator and be approved for an Owner Operator LMIA.

What are the steps?

Step 1 – Structure ownership relationships between the Company and Temporary Foreign Worker

• Timeline: 1 week

Step 2 – Submit Owner Operator LMIA application to the Government of Canada

• Timeline: up to 90 days for approval

Step 3: Apply for and receive Work Permit at Canada Land Border Crossing based on LMIA

• Timeline: at Land Crossing Border 1 day

Step 4: Apply for Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker

• Timeline: 1 week

Step 5: Invitation to apply for Permanent Residence

• Timeline: 3-4 weeks (depending on EE draw date)

Step 6: Application for Permanent Residence

• Timeline: 6-8 months

… (to be continue)

If you are interested in this program, GTR Immigration will provide with all the resource and support during the process to help you choose the right place to settle in Canada and support you with launching or purchasing your business. Not only that, we will ensure to make a process of your immigration documents are properly filed with quality and professional manners.

Please send us your CV via info@greentechresources.ca so our team can make an assessment on your profile.

Have questions ? Jump on to canadaimmigrationforum.ca to ask all your questions !