There are separate LMIA considerations for employers looking to hire low skill-level foreign workers (Levels “C” and “D” of the National Occupational Classification). All LMIA applications made under a low-skill occupation must be accompanied by a contract signed by both the employer and the employee that outlines the employer’s responsibilities towards the foreign worker. These obligations concern:
- Wages
- Working conditions
- Round-trip transportation costs paid by the employer for the worker
- Medical coverage paid by the employer for the worker
- Employer assistance in finding suitable accommodations for the worker
- Payment of all costs related to hiring the temporary foreign worker
- Providing temporary medical insurance coverage for the duration of the employment
- Registering the worker with provincial safety insurance plans
An employer must also demonstrate continuing efforts to recruit and train Canadian workers.
An LMIA for a low-skill occupation in Canada can have a maximum duration of employment of six months. Required job qualifications under a low-skilled LMIA cannot be higher than a high school diploma or two years of job-specific training.
Given that a foreign worker applicant under a low-skill LMIA will generally have less educational qualifications, the consideration of a low-skill LMIA application will usually involve an assessment of whether the foreign worker has the ability to perform the relevant work as opposed to an assessment of the foreign worker’s education background.
If a low-skilled worker wishes to bring his/her spouse and dependent children to Canada as well, the spouse and children must apply as temporary residents. In this case, all applications within the same family will still be considered together. If the spouse wishes to work in Canada, he/she must acquire a separate LMIA and work permit.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
