An LMIA is a labour market verification process launched by the Canadian government whereby the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) ascertains a job offer to the foreign worker, ensuring that the employment does not entail a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. It requires the employer to submit documents and provide various information pertaining to the position. The LMIA also obliges the employer to submit the number of Canadian candidates that went through the hiring process, and an in-depth description as to why these Canadian prospects did not make the said job hiring process.
The LMIA will either result in negative or positive results. Once the employer receives a positive LMIA which is called a confirmation letter, the temporary foreign worker can now apply to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for their work permit. A positive result means that there is indeed a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and there is no Canadian candidate fit for the employment available.