What Happens During an LMIA Employer Interview?
· Harjeet Arora, RCIC-IRB
Service Canada may contact an employer during LMIA assessment to verify the application and clarify the business need, recruitment efforts, job offer and supporting records. The interview should be treated as part of the substantive assessment, not as a formality.
Business and employment need
The officer may ask what the business does, why the position is needed, how many workers are employed and how the requested foreign worker fits the operation.
Recruitment
Be prepared to explain where and when the position was advertised, applications received, interviews conducted and why Canadian citizens or permanent residents were not hired.
Wages, duties and conditions
The employer should be able to explain the offered wage, schedule, duties, work location and any unusual working conditions consistently with the application.
Supporting records
Questions can arise where staffing numbers, payroll, fleet/business records or previous submissions do not align. Review the filed application before the interview.
See LMIA services.
Related guidance: LMIA business legitimacy documents and high-wage LMIA transition plans.
Interview preparation checklist
Keep the submitted LMIA, recruitment records, applicant screening notes, payroll summaries and business documents available. Assign a knowledgeable employer representative who can explain any differences between historical and current staffing or operational figures. Answers should be accurate and supported by records rather than estimated under pressure.
General information only. The questions depend on the application.