LMIA-Based Work Permit Applications
Are you searching for a trusted LMIA Consultant in Richmond British Columbia to help secure your Canadian employment?
At White Swan Immigration Consultants, we specialize in guiding both employers and foreign workers through the complex Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Obtaining an LMIA-based work permit is an employer-driven pathway to legally work in Canada. A positive LMIA demonstrates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill a specific position, allowing Canadian employers to hire qualified foreign professionals.
Our experienced LMIA consultants in Richmond BC provide comprehensive, end-to-end support for every step — from job advertisements and compliance to LMIA submission and work permit approval.
What is an LMIA-Based Work Permit?
An LMIA-based work permit is issued after an employer in Canada receives a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA confirms the employer’s need to hire a foreign worker due to a labor shortage. With a positive LMIA, workers can apply for a work permit tied to the particular employer and position.
Key steps in the LMIA process include:
- Job Advertisement & Compliance: Employers must advertise the position on national and provincial job banks and demonstrate recruitment efforts.
- LMIA Application Submission: Employers submit a detailed LMIA application to ESDC, including workforce planning, business impact, and recruitment results.
- ESDC Decision: ESDC evaluates applications within six to ten weeks (standard streams) and two-week priority processing (Global Talent Stream).
- Work Permit Application: Upon a positive LMIA, the foreign worker applies to IRCC for a closed work permit tied to the employer’s offer.
Eligibility & 2025 LMIA Updates – What You Need to Know
Employer Eligibility:
- Legitimate Canadian business with the capacity to hire and compensate the foreign worker.
- Demonstrated recruitment efforts to hire Canadians first.
- Ability to meet wage and working condition standards.
Foreign Worker Eligibility:
- Valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA.
- Proof of professional qualifications, education, and experience.
- Language proficiency in English or French for certain occupations.
- Medical examinations and security clearances as required.
2025 Updates:
- Global Talent Stream (GTS) Expansion: More occupations added to the GTS list, with guaranteed two-week LMIA processing for high-demand tech and STEM roles.
- Enhanced Advertising Requirements: Employers must include wages and job details, demonstrating transparent recruitment.
- Digital LMIA Processing: ESDC’s online portal improvements have reduced processing times and enhanced application tracking.
- Wage Floor Adjustments: Updated median wage thresholds for low- and high-wage LMIA streams to reflect regional cost-of-living changes.
- Reconciliation with Express Entry: Certain LMIA-exempt streams better align with Express Entry, offering dual-intent options.
Our LMIA Service Packages
- Employer Compliance & LMIA Strategy
- Comprehensive review of business needs, labor market data, and recruitment strategy.
- Advice on LMIA stream selection: High-Wage, Low-Wage, Global Talent, Agricultural, In-Home Caregiver, and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
- Job Advertisement Management
- Drafting compliant job postings for national and provincial job boards.
- Guidance on required advertising duration and documentation of recruitment efforts.
- LMIA Application Preparation & Submission
- Completing ESDC application forms and compiling supporting documents (business plans, financial statements, workforce impact).
- Liaison with ESDC to address any follow-up requests.
- Work Permit Application for Foreign Workers
- Preparing and submitting the work permit application to IRCC once the LMIA is approved.
- Assistance with biometrics, medicals, and portal submissions.
- Priority Processing via Global Talent Stream
- Expedited two-week processing for qualifying tech and STEM roles.
- Dedicated support for innovative employers and highly-skilled candidates.
- LMIA Compliance Audits & Post-Approval Support
- Ongoing advice to maintain compliance with LMIA conditions.
- Renewal strategies and transition to permanent residency pathways.
Transitioning from LMIA-Based Work Permit to Permanent Residency
An LMIA-based work permit can be an excellent stepping-stone to Canadian permanent residency. We guide you through:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): After one year of skilled work in Canada under an LMIA, apply through CEC for a PR pathway.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Many provinces offer employer-driven streams for LMIA holders seeking nomination.
- Express Entry Profile Boost: A valid LMIA and job offer can add 50 to 200 CRS points, improving your chances in Express Entry draws.
Why Partner with White Swan Immigration Consultants for LMIA Services?
- Dual Expertise: We serve both employers and foreign workers, ensuring a seamless LMIA and work permit process.
- High Success Rate: Over 90% of our employer clients receive positive LMIAs on first submission.
- Full-Service Support: From job postings to PR pathways, we provide end-to-end solutions under one roof.
- Timely & Transparent: Clear timelines, transparent fee structures, and real-time status updates.
Book Your LMIA Consultation Today
Ensure your Canadian employer’s staffing needs are met quickly and compliantly. Contact White Swan Immigration Consultants to discuss your LMIA-based work permit strategy.
📍 Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
📧 Email: info@wsic.ca
📞 Phone: +1 778 772 7865
