Recent changes in Canada’s immigration policies, including a 20% cut in permanent residency (PR) allocations, have complicated the path to PR for international students. Among the limited options available to remain in Canada legally and to gain more points for PR, is a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows that there is a need for a foreign worker for a certain job. This document is key for students whose work permits, which they got after completing their studies, have either expired or are about to run out.

What is the LMIA?

• The LMIA allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when they can’t fill a position with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. To get a positive LMIA, employers must demonstrate a genuine need for a foreign worker by posting the job on Canada’s official website, and going through a rigorous approval process.
• The official processing fee for an LMIA application is CAD 1,000, which should be paid by the employer. However, several immigration experts in Punjab said that given the high demand currently, up to five times the official fee is changing hands in order to secure a positive LMIA through agents or employers.

How can the LMIA help?

• Experts said that with PR opportunities reduced, international students who want to apply for PR to stay in Canada permanently are being advised by the consultants to try the LMIA route.
• Obtaining an LMIA-supported job offer can extend a student’s stay and provide valuable Canadian work experience, which boosts their PR application profile. Experts advise students to work diligently in their current jobs so that their employers might cover the LMIA fees, as several employers have started charging students for LMIA applications.

What sort of jobs offer better opportunities for Indian students seeking to stay on in Canada?

• Sectors such as healthcare, construction, and agriculture are experiencing labour shortages in Canada, and creating demand for LMIA-based roles. Positions such as drivers, farm workers, cooks, welders, and caregivers are among those frequently filled by LMIA applicants.
• What other alternatives are available to Indian students seeking Canadian PR?
• Consultant Tirath Singh of Jalandhar-based Pinnacle Immigration said that LMIA remains the best option right now, even for those who are still studying.
• Apart from that, “visitor record” is an option, he said. “Students can apply for a visitor record, which is a document that allows them to stay on in Canada for longer. However, this option does not permit them to work and is generally seen as a temporary solution,” he said.
• Aspirants can also consider a Study Visa for further education. Some students are considering returning to school to extend their stay in Canada. Experts recommend choosing degree programmes that add points for PR eligibility and offer skills that are valuable in Canada’s job market.
• Language skills are also important, Tirath Singh said. “Learning French can be beneficial, as it can add points to a PR profile under Canada’s Express Entry system, particularly for those applying to provinces with high demand for bilingual applicants,” he said.

But does an LMIA guarantee PR?

• A positive LMIA is a helpful step toward PR, but doesn’t guarantee it.
• International students with LMIA-backed work experience are better positioned under Canada’s Express Entry system, which prioritises candidates with Canadian work experience. However, they must still meet all Express Entry requirements, including language proficiency, work experience, and education, experts said.