OWNER-OPERATOR LMIA
BUSINESS OWNER OPERATOR LMIA IN CANADA
Are you interested in buying a business as an owner-operator? Then you should know that LMIA plays a big role in this process. LMIA is a complex and overwhelming process. That’s why many owner operators turn to professionals for assistance. So now, we’ll take a closer look at the Business Owner Operator LMIA process, what it involves and how it can help you obtain an LMIA quickly and efficiently.

What is LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. An LMIA is a document that confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job in Canada and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. As an Owner Operator, you can apply for an LMIA to hire yourself as a foreign worker. So you can operate your own business in Canada.
Types of Labour Market Impact Assessment
There are two types of LMIA:
- High-wage
- Low-wage
The high-wage LMIA applies to jobs that pay more than the median hourly wage in the province or territory where the job is located. A low-wage LMIA is for jobs that pay less than the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
How does LMIA work?
The first step is to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, you’ll discuss your specific needs and requirements and we will explain how we can help you navigate the LMIA process. Once you’ve decided to work with us, we’ll conduct a needs assessment to determine the best course of action. The needs assessment will include a review of your job offer and advertising to ensure that we meet the requirements set by ESDC. We will handle the entire LMIA application process for you, from the initial application to the submission of all required documents.
Collaborating closely with ESDC, we strive to process your application with speed and efficiency. After LMIA approval, we will guide you through your work permit application process. we’ll ensure that all the required documents are submitted correctly and on time. Rest assured, we will keep you informed about the status of your application throughout the process. After the LMIA is approved and the work permit is issued, it will continue to provide support and assistance as needed. Any questions you may have related to your work permit will be answered and guidance will be provided by them.
Qualifying as an Owner-Operator
If you’re a foreign business owner who wants to start or purchase a business in Canada, you may be eligible for an LMIA as an owner-operator. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have a controlling interest in the business (minimum of 51%), have the skills and experience necessary to run the business and can demonstrate that your business will create significant economic benefits for Canada.
LMIA Assessment
During the LMIA assessment, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will review the job offer and advertising to ensure that we meet the requirements set by ESDC. In addition to assessing the need for a foreign worker, ESDC will also evaluate whether hiring one would negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
After LMIA Approval
After the LMIA is approved, the employer must provide a copy of the LMIA letter to the foreign worker, who can then use it to apply for a work permit. Once the work permit is issued, the foreign worker can come to Canada to work for the employer.
Owner-Operator vs PNP Entrepreneur Streams
The Owner-Operator LMIA program targets foreign business owners who aim to acquire or launch a business in Canada. Conversely, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur stream caters to entrepreneurs who intend to establish or acquire a business in a particular province or territory in Canada. The eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements differ for these two programs.
Owner operator LMIA process:
1. Job Offer
To initiate the Owner Operator LMIA process, a Canadian employer must extend a job offer that encompasses a comprehensive job description, encompassing job duties, required qualifications, and remuneration. The job offer must also comply with the relevant federal and provincial laws and regulations.
2. Advertising
The employer must advertise the job within Canada for a stipulated duration, demonstrating that no Canadian workers are available to fill the job. The advertising must adhere to the standards set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
3. LMIA Application
The employer must submit an LMIA application to ESDC. The application must include a copy of the job offer, proof of advertising and other supporting documents. The application will be reviewed by ESDC to determine if there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job.
4. LMIA Approval
If the LMIA application is sanctioned, the employer will be provided with an LMIA letter. The owner-operator must furnish a copy of the LMIA letter to the Canadian consulate or embassy in their home country while applying for a work permit.
5. Work Permit
After obtaining the LMIA letter, the owner-operator can file a work permit application, which will be evaluated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The owner-operator must present the LMIA letter, job offer, and other pertinent documents as evidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy an LMIA in Canada?
The cost of an LMIA application varies depending on the type of LMIA, the location of the job and the industry. The employer is responsible for paying the LMIA application fee, which is CAD $1,000. In addition, the employer may need to pay for advertising, recruitment and immigration costs.
7 Common mistakes to avoid when applying for an owner operator LMIA Canada:
- Insufficient research
- Incomplete application
- Poor business plan
- Lack of financial planning
- Inadequate language skills
- Failure to comply with advertising requirements
- Using unlicensed immigration consultants
How can LMIA help you obtain an LMIA quickly and efficiently?
- Expertise: The LMIA process can be complex and it’s important to ensure that everything is done correctly. A specialized LMIA service provider like Bluewater Immigration has a team of experienced professionals who understand the requirements and regulations of the LMIA process. We can guide you through the process and ensure that all the necessary steps are completed correctly.
- Time-saving: The LMIA processing time can be time-consuming and it’s important to ensure that everything is done on time. A specialized LMIA service provider like Bluewater Immigration can help you save time by taking care of the entire process for you. We can handle the job offer, advertising, LMIA application and owner operator work permit application on your behalf, allowing you to focus on other important things.
- Customized Packages: Every owner-operator’s needs are unique and a specialized LMIA service provider like Bluewater Immigration can provide customized packages to suit your needs. We can tailor their services to your specific situation, ensuring that you get the support you need to obtain an LMIA quickly and efficiently.
- Compliance: Compliance with federal and provincial laws and regulations is critical when it comes to the LMIA process. A specialized LMIA service provider like Bluewater Immigration can ensure that your job offer and advertising comply with the requirements set by ESDC. We can also ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted correctly and on time.
Who is Eligible for LMIA in Canada?
In Canada, you can qualify for an LMIA only if you possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and comply with the criteria established by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The requirements are contingent on the kind of LMIA, job location, and industry.
How Long is LMIA Valid?
The validity period of an LMIA is generally six months from the date of issuance. However, this can be influenced by the nature of the LMIA and other relevant factors. It’s important to note that a work permit is also required to work in Canada and the validity of the owner operator work permit may be different from the validity of the LMIA.
Benefits of the Owner Operator LMIA program:
- Control over the business
As an owner-operator, you will have more control over the day-to-day operations of the business compared to other types of LMIA holders. This can be especially beneficial for entrepreneurs who have a particular vision or strategy for their business.
- Eligibility for permanent residency
One of the most significant benefits of the owner operator LMIA business for sale program is that it can lead to permanent residency in Canada. This is because the program is designed to help entrepreneurs establish successful businesses in Canada, which in turn contributes to the country’s economy and job creation.
- Flexibility in location
The owner operator LMIA business for sale program allows entrepreneurs to operate their businesses in any location in Canada, regardless of the province or territory. This provides more flexibility and options for entrepreneurs to find the best location for their business.
- Greater job security
When you hold an Owner Operator LMIA, you have greater job security compared to other types of LMIA holders. This is because the business is owned and operated by the entrepreneur, who is typically more invested in the success of the business and the well-being of its employees.
- Family Sponsorship
As an owner operator LMIA business for sale holder, you may be eligible to sponsor your family members for permanent residency in Canada. This can be a significant benefit for entrepreneurs who want to bring their families to Canada.
In Conclusion, While an owner-operator LMIA business for sale may present an opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to start a business in Canada, it’s important to carefully consider the LMIA requirements and the associated costs and timelines. Working with an experienced immigration professional can help ensure a smooth transition and minimize the risk of delays or complications in the LMIA application process.
Why choose us?
Bluewater specializes in helping owner-operators navigate the LMIA process. This process may be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. We work with a range of industries, including transportation, construction and agriculture and have a wealth of experience in dealing with LMIA applications. Our team of experienced professionals can assist you with everything from preparing your LMIA application to understanding the requirements and regulations.
We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and expertise. We stay up-to-date on the latest immigration policies and regulations to ensure that our clients are given the most accurate and relevant information. Our team is dedicated to making the immigration process as smooth and stress-free as possible, providing constant support and guidance every step of the way. Our team is composed of experienced immigration professionals who have helped many clients successfully achieve their immigration goals. We understand that each client is unique and we take the time to understand their specific needs and goals. This personalized approach has allowed us to maintain a high success rate in securing business and investor visas for our clients.
So if you are an owner-operator seeking to work in Canada, don’t hesitate to reach out to contact us today. Let us help you navigate the LMIA process and start your new career in Canada.
Business WhatsApp: +1-905-812-8077
Email: info@bwimmigration.com
Disclaimer: The explanation above is a very general outline of the program and is not updated to reflect any changes. It’s always advisable to check the official government website to get the most up to date information.