A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process used by the Canadian government to assess the impact of hiring foreign workers on the domestic labour market. It's a way for employers to demonstrate that there's a genuine need to hire a foreign worker for a specific job. With an approved LMIA, employers can then offer the job to a foreign worker as part of their efforts to fill a position that couldn't be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

To apply for an LMIA, employers need to meet certain requirements, including proving that they've tried to hire a Canadian worker first. The application process involves providing information about the job, the wages, and efforts made to recruit locally. Once granted, the LMIA serves as an essential document in the foreign worker's application for a work permit. It's important for both employers and foreign workers to follow the LMIA process to ensure compliance with Canadian labour market regulations.