International recruitment, the process of hiring candidates from different countries, can offer several benefits to organizations. Some of the potential advantages of international recruitment include:
- Diverse skill set: International recruitment can bring a range of diverse skill sets to the organization. Candidates from different countries may have different education systems and work experiences that can bring a unique perspective and innovative ideas to the team.
- Language skills: International recruitment can provide the organization with access to employees who speak multiple languages, which can be valuable for companies that operate in global markets.
- Cultural awareness: International recruitment can also provide the organization with employees who have a deeper understanding of different cultures, which can help the company to navigate cross-cultural communication and business practices.
- Enhanced creativity and innovation: Hiring employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures can foster creativity and innovation in the organization. This can lead to the development of new ideas, products, and services that can help the organization to remain competitive.
- Increased global perspective: International recruitment can provide the organization with a global perspective, helping the company to understand different markets, customer needs, and trends.
- Greater flexibility: International recruitment can provide the organization with access to a flexible workforce, as candidates from different countries may be more willing to relocate for work or work remotely.
The process of hiring skilled & specialized foreign workers in Canada begins with the LMIA.
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, which is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. The LMIA process in British Columbia is similar to the process in other provinces and territories of Canada. Here are the basic steps:
- Determine if an LMIA is required: Employers need to determine if they need an LMIA to hire a foreign worker. Some jobs may be exempt from requiring an LMIA.
- Submit the LMIA application: Employers need to submit an LMIA application to ESDC. The application requires information about the employer, the job position, and the foreign worker being hired. Employers also need to pay a processing fee.
- Advertise the job position: Employers need to advertise the job position in Canada to show that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position. The job advertisement needs to meet specific requirements.
- Wait for the LMIA decision: ESDC will review the LMIA application and determine if the job position can be filled by a foreign worker. This decision is based on factors such as the job market and the skills and experience of the foreign worker.
- Issue the LMIA: If the LMIA is approved, ESDC will issue a positive LMIA. Employers need to give a copy of the LMIA to the foreign worker they are hiring.
- Apply for a work permit: Once the foreign worker has the LMIA, they can apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit allows the foreign worker to legally work in Canada for a specific period.
It is important for employers to follow the LMIA process carefully and meet all the requirements to avoid delays or rejections. This is why outsourcing immigration to a specialized agency is the safest play.
The timeline for LMIA approval in Canada can vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the application, the availability of Canadian workers for the job, and the processing times at the ESDC office where the application is submitted. Generally, the current processing times for LMIA applications are as follows:
- High-Wage LMIA applications: These are for job positions that pay wages above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. The current processing time for high-wage LMIA applications is around 10 to 12 weeks.
- Low-Wage LMIA applications: These are for job positions that pay wages below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. The current processing time for low-wage LMIA applications is around 8 to 10 weeks.
It is important to note that these processing times are estimates and may change based on the volume of applications received by ESDC and other factors. Employers are advised to submit their LMIA application well in advance of the intended start date for the foreign worker to ensure that there is enough time for processing and obtaining a work permit. Employers can also check the ESDC website for updates on processing times and any changes to the LMIA application process.