Canada PR Update: LMIA will provide Canadian PR to Indian students! What is this document, how to get it?

Canada PR via LMIA: Permanent Residency (PR) provides the opportunity to live and work permanently in Canada. Because of this, every year a large number of Indians apply for PR. However, Canada has changed its immigration policy, due to which it has become difficult to obtain PR. The Government of Canada has announced a 20 percent reduction in the issuance of Permanent Residency (PR), due to which things have become difficult for Indian students-workers.
Due to new immigration rules, options to stay legally in Canada and earn more points for PR have become limited. Because of this, ‘Labor Market Impact Assessment’ (LMIA) has now emerged as a means which can provide PR to Indians. Through LMIA, the government is told that foreign workers are needed for certain specific works in the country. This document is useful for those students who got work permit after completing their studies and now it is about to expire. What is LMIA?

What is LMIA?

LMIA allows companies or employers in Canada to hire foreign workers when they cannot fill a position with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. To receive a positive LMIA, companies are required to post job details on the official website of the Government of Canada. They have to prove that foreign workers are specifically required for some work. After this one has to go through a rigorous approval process. The processing fee for LMIA is 1000 Canadian dollars, which has to be paid by the company or employer.

How can LMIA help?

Experts say that PR opportunities are gradually decreasing. Therefore, Indian students who need PR to stay in Canada permanently are now being advised to avail the LMIA route. An LMIA supported job not only allows an Indian student to stay in Canada but also gives him/her the much-needed Canadian work experience. This gives a boost to their PR application profile.

Experts say that students should work diligently in their current jobs so that their company or employer is able to cover the LMIA fees. These days it is also being seen that many companies are charging money from students for LMIA application.

In which sector will Indians get LMIA jobs?

There are many sectors in Canada where there is an abundance of LMIA jobs. But there is a massive shortage of laborers in healthcare, construction and agriculture. For this reason, LMIA based jobs are highest in these sectors. Drivers, farm workers, cooks, welders and caregivers are some of the positions that are being filled through LMIA applicants in Canada these days. In such a situation, if you also want to work in Canada then you can apply for these jobs.

Is it really guaranteed to get PR from LMIA?

Having a positive LMIA is a great step towards obtaining PR, but it is not a guarantee of permanent residency. Foreign students who gain work experience through an LMIA receive a greater advantage in the Canada Express Entry system, where Canadian work experience is given priority. However, they still have to meet all the requirements for Express Entry, including language knowledge, work experience and education. If a person is good at working then he/she can get PR through LMIA.