Hiring foreign workers is sometimes not just a preference—it’s a necessity for your business. Whether you’re struggling to fill a labour shortage or expanding your team with specialized talent, navigating the LMIA process can feel like a maze.
If you’re an employer in Surrey, BC, looking to bring in a temporary foreign worker, understanding and securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the first step—and it matters now more than ever with ongoing changes in immigration policy and workforce availability.
Let’s make this process straightforward and manageable.
When you partner with Dhanda Immigration, we help ensure your LMIA application is structured, complete, and submitted with care. We include the following:
We determine if an LMIA is the correct pathway based on your business size, industry, and job offer.
We guide you on posting job ads that meet federal and provincial advertising requirements.
Support with collecting, reviewing, and organizing employer documentation—including business legitimacy proofs and recruitment efforts.
We handle the LMIA submission to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and manage communication throughout the process.
We assist with any follow-up questions, prepare you for interviews (if needed), and guide you through the following steps once the decision-maker concludes.
Once the LMIA is approved, we assist with the foreign worker’s work permit process to streamline the hiring timeline.
Canadian employers use LMIA services when they:
Typical challenges we help address:
We begin by discussing your hiring needs through a call or meeting to determine if LMIA is the most suitable route for your business.
We review your business registration, financials, and job description and ensure the position qualifies for LMIA processing.
You’ll run the required job postings with our support to meet ESDC advertising requirements. We guide you on where to post, what to include, and how long it must stay up.
We help gather all required paperwork—such as recruitment summaries, employee rosters, and proof of business operations.
Once the documentation is complete, we submit the LMIA package to ESDC and monitor its progress.
Some LMIA streams require an employer interview. We prepare you with mock questions and answers.
When a decision is issued, we notify you and assist in the next step—either hiring the worker or exploring alternative strategies.
Q1: What is an LMIA, and why do I need it?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from the Canadian Government that allows you to hire a temporary foreign worker. It proves that there is a need for a foreign worker and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Q2: How long does the LMIA process take in Surrey, BC?
Processing times can vary depending on the stream and completeness of the application. On average, it can take 8–12 weeks from the date of submission.
Q3: Can I apply for an LMIA for a high-wage or low-wage position?
Yes. LMIAs are categorized based on wage. Each stream has specific requirements, such as employer compliance, recruitment efforts, and transition plans.
Q4: What happens after the LMIA is approved?
Once your LMIA is approved, your worker can apply for a work permit using the LMIA decision letter and job offer. We help coordinate this to reduce delays.
At Dhanda Immigration, we guide Canadian employers through the LMIA process with structure and clarity.
If you’re preparing to hire a foreign worker and want to move forward confidently, now is a good time to begin planning your next step with experienced support.