Introduction

A foreign national generally needs a LMO (Labour Market Opinion) from HRSDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada)/ Service Canada in order to work in Canada unless they are work permit exempted or are eligible for an open work permit.

HRSDC/Service Canada ensures that job and career opportunities are protected for Canadian citizens/permanent residents. In general, Canadian employers can hire foreign workers when it will not adversely affect employment and career opportunities of Canadians/permanent residents, or when there are significant benefits attached to the recruitment of a foreign worker.

Qualification

HRSDC/Service Canada assesses a request from an employer seeking to obtain a work permit for a foreign worker. HRSDC/Service Canada checks the following:

1. Whether a job offer itself is bonafide and not designed to be inaccessible to Canadians/permanent residents
2. Whether a wage and a working condition offered is sufficient to attract and retain Canadians/permanent residents in employment
3. Whether an employer has made responsible efforts to hire or train Canadians/permanent residents for an employment in request.

Required Documents

1. LMO Application – Download
2. Employer information (name card with contact, organizational chart, etc)
3. Proof of recruitment efforts
4. Job offer/contract

Processing Time

LMO applicaitons approximately take 4 to 6 weeks.