Navigating the Shift to Online LMIA Applications
Starting April 3, 2023, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is transitioning from paper/PDF forms to online Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications. Canadian employers and third-party representatives (on behalf of employers) must submit their LMIA applications using the new LMIA Online Portal.
In this article, we’ll explore the portal and discuss how to access and navigate it.
Background:
The LMIA process is essential for most employers in Canada who wish to hire temporary foreign workers. An LMIA confirms that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker and ensures no Canadians or permanent residents are available for the job.
Employment and Social Skills Development Canada (ESDC), also known as Service Canada, is responsible for overseeing the LMIA process and reviewing applications.
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Introducing the LMIA Online Portal:
The LMIA Online Portal is a secure, user-friendly platform designed for Canadian employers who want to submit their LMIA applications to Service Canada. According to the ESDC, the user-friendly LMIA Online Portal allows employers to:
- submit an LMIA application 24/7
- complete or return to an LMIA application before submitting it to Service Canada
- upload supporting documents
- securely pay LMIA fees, if applicable
- get real-time updates on the status of their application
- view correspondence and decision letters issued by Service Canada
- review previously submitted applications
- access and follow the status of their application when a third-party representative is submitting an LMIA application on their behalf
To access the portal, employers must have a Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, an active Job Bank user account, and documents that support the business legitimacy and the LMIA application. For example, lease agreements, tax documents, and recruitment documents.
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Accessing the LMIA Online Portal:
Follow these steps to log into the LMIA Online Portal:
1. Enter the website address for the portal (canada.ca/lmia-online) or click here: LMIA Online Portal.
2. To “sign in” use the same log-in information you use to access your Job Bank account.
3. Once you’ve logged into your account, you will be asked one of 5 security questions. You provided the answers to those questions when creating your Job Bank account.
4. Next, you will have to consent to the information on the page in order to access the LMIA questionnaire. If you agree to the terms and conditions, click “Agree”.
5. Once you are at the main page of the LMIA Online Portal, you will be able to see the list of employers that you can submit an LMIA for, along with their business number.
Please note that third parties will also be able to see their role with the employer listed. “A third party will see a list of employers to choose from, whereas an employer who is completing their own application will see a shorter list. They cannot see each other’s lists,” explains ESDC.
For additional resources and support, visit the LMIA Online Portal resources. If you’re hiring in Quebec or for an employment period exceeding 30 consecutive days, visit Hiring in the province of Quebec.
Let us help
Changes to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications could be confusing. If you are a licensed professional who needs assistance, please visit Al‘s mentorship page. Of course, if you are an applicant facing issues, please either fill out the following form or book a consultation session. Alternatively, you may fill out our free assessment form.
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