A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment can support an employer-specific work permit. The LMIA does not itself authorize work and the worker’s application must be consistent with the approved employment details.
What must be assessed
- Valid positive LMIA and employment contract
- Consistency of occupation, wage, hours and location
- Worker’s experience, education and licensing
- Genuineness of the job and employer
- Temporary intent and admissibility
How we approach a LMIA-Based Work Permit matter
- Review eligibility, status, immigration history and the intended outcome.
- Identify the controlling requirements, weaknesses and time-sensitive issues.
- Build an evidence plan that matches the facts rather than relying on generic document lists.
- Prepare forms and written representations for consistency, accuracy and material disclosure.
- Review the final record before submission and advise on later requests or developments within the retainer.
Common reasons applications become difficult
Problems often arise from inconsistent forms, unexplained gaps, weak source documents, assumptions based on outdated program information or failure to disclose a prior refusal or status issue. A complete application should make the relevant facts easy to verify and should address foreseeable concerns directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a worker apply before the LMIA is approved?
In most LMIA-based cases, the positive decision and required identifying information are needed to support the work-permit application.
Can approval be guaranteed?
No. The decision belongs to the responsible Canadian authority. Professional representation improves preparation and clarity but cannot guarantee an outcome.
Where can I confirm the current government requirements?
Review the official Government of Canada immigration information. Requirements can change, and case-specific advice should be based on the rules in force when you apply.
LMIA and Work Permit Are Separate Steps
Employers needing the labour-market authorization should review our LMIA employer guidance, including High-Wage and Low-Wage LMIA requirements. This page addresses the worker's subsequent permit application. For coordinated employer-and-worker strategy, book a consultation.
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.