Temporary foreign worker (LMIA)

Employment and Social Development Canada says an employer who wants to hire a temporary foreign worker must meet the program’s requirements and submit an LMIA application. The LMIA determines whether hiring the worker will have a positive or negative effect on Canada’s labour market. A buyer meets the term when some of the seller’s staff are foreign workers. See whether a buyer has to keep the seller’s employees.

What to check

• Which employees hold work permits, and which employer each permit names
• Whether an LMIA was needed and who the employer on it is
• When each permit and LMIA ends
• Whether the seller has had any compliance problems with the program

Provinces and Quebec

ESDC’s page on hiring in a high-wage position says employers hiring in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Nova Scotia must first apply to the province for an employer registration certificate. Outside British Columbia, a copy of the certificate, or proof of exemption, goes with the LMIA application. It also has a separate section on hiring in Quebec. Whether a permit follows the business to a buyer is a question for the immigration rules, covered under the employer-specific work permit.