Labour Market Impact Assessment(LMIA)

The Owner/Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a pathway for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to operate a business in Canada and need to apply for a work permit. This guide provides an overview of why to apply through the owner/operator category, eligibility criteria, requirements, application steps, processing times, and associated costs.

Why apply through Owner or Operator?

Priority Processing: Applications under the owner/operator category often receive priority processing, ensuring a quicker response time compared to other LMIA applications.
Control Over Business: Gain direct control and involvement in the day-to-day operations of your Canadian business.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Successfully operating a business in Canada can significantly enhance your eligibility for permanent residency under various immigration programs.
No Recruitment Effort Required: Unlike other LMIAs, the owner/operator LMIA does not require proof of recruitment efforts, making the application process more straightforward.
Business Expansion Opportunities: Provides an excellent opportunity for international entrepreneurs to expand their operations into the Canadian market.

Eligibility to apply for Owner or Operator

To be eligible for an owner/operator LMIA, applicants must:

Have a controlling interest in the business, typically defined as owning more than 50% of the shares or having absolute decision-making power.
Demonstrate that their business will create or maintain jobs for Canadians or permanent residents.
Provide a viable business plan that includes details on the economic benefit to Canada, such as job creation or transfer of skills and knowledge.
Not be inadmissible to Canada on grounds of security, health, or criminality.

Canada Owner or Operator Requirements

Business Ownership: Proof of business ownership or shareholding.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the economic benefit to Canada.
Job Creation: Evidence that the business will create or maintain employment for Canadians or permanent residents.
Active Management: Demonstrated intent and ability to be actively involved in the management of the business in Canada.
Financial Investment: Significant investment in the business that is sufficient to establish and sustain operations.

Steps to apply for Canada Owner or Operator

Prepare Business Plan: Develop a detailed business plan that demonstrates the viability and economic benefit of your business.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of business ownership, financial investment, and any other relevant information.
Submit LMIA Application: Complete and submit the LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), along with the application fee and all supporting documents.
Attend Interview: Be prepared to attend an interview with ESDC, if required, to discuss your application and business plan.
Apply for Work Permit: Once the LMIA is approved, apply for a temporary work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the positive LMIA.

Processing time for Canada Owner or Operator

The processing time for an owner/operator LMIA application can vary but generally ranges from 2 to 4 months. It's important to submit a complete and well-documented application to avoid delays.

Canada Owner or Operator Visa Cost

LMIA Application Fee: $1,000 CAD per position applied for.
Work Permit Application Fee: $155 CAD for an individual applicant, plus $155 CAD for any accompanying family members.
Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD for an individual or $170 CAD for a family (if applicable).

How Y-Axis Supports Your Canada Application?

Y-Axis UK acts as a registered immigration Agent supporting Dima Beyrouti, RCIC Licence No. R709716, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
As your administrative support team, Y-Axis can assist you with:

Gathering and organising your supporting documents
Coordinating appointments and communication on your behalf
Providing general, publicly available information about Canadian immigration programmes
Referring you to Dima Beyrouti for all regulated advice, eligibility assessments, and application representation
All regulated immigration advice, eligibility assessments, and application representation are the exclusive responsibility of Dima Beyrouti, RCIC Licence No. R709716.

Verify Dima Beyrouti on the CICC Public Register:
https://register.college-ic.ca/Public-Register-EN/Licensee/Profile.aspx?ID=11831

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to be connected with Dima Beyrouti.

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