Positive LMIA Next Steps: Match Documents Before Filing
Getting that positive LMIA letter is a huge relief. It means the employer has proven no Canadian was available for the role. But do not assume the work permit is a done deal. The next step is where many applications stumble.
The officer is not just checking if you have a job offer. They are checking if the job offer matches the LMIA exactly. If the details do not align, the application can be refused for misrepresentation or lack of credibility.
You need to verify every single data point before you submit.
Check the Job Title and NOC Code
The LMIA letter lists a specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Your work permit application must use the same code. If the LMIA says NOC 6311 for a cook, but you apply under a different code, the officer may question the consistency.
Also, check the job title. It must match the LMIA. If the LMIA says "Restaurant Manager" and your contract says "General Manager," you need to explain why these are the same role. Do not leave this to outcome. The officer will compare the documents side by side.
Verify Wage and Working Conditions
The wage listed on the LMIA must match what is in your employment contract. If the LMIA states a wage of $20 per hour, your contract cannot say $18. Even a small discrepancy can raise questions about the genuineness of the offer.
Check the work location. The LMIA is often tied to a specific city or region. If you move to a different province or city, you may need a new LMIA. Do not assume you can work anywhere in Canada with one LMIA. The address on the LMIA, the contract, and your application must be consistent.
Review Passport and Status Expiry
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of the intended work permit. If your passport expires in six months, but you want a two-year work permit, you will get a permit that matches the passport expiry. You may need to renew your passport first.
If you are already in Canada on another status, such as a study permit, check your expiry date. You must apply before your status expires. If you apply after it expires, you lose your legal status. This is a common mistake that wastes time and money.
Family Documents and Medical Exams
If you are bringing family members, their documents must be ready. Spouses and children need their own applications. If they plan to work or study, they may need separate permits.
Medical exams are required for certain jobs or if you have lived in specific countries. Check if you need an upfront medical exam. If you do, the results must be valid when you apply. An expired medical exam will delay your application.
What to Keep Private
When discussing your case in public forums, protect your identity. Do not post your UCI, passport number, or full address. You can share the province, city, job title, and general timeline. This helps others give relevant advice without risking your privacy.
If you are unsure about a detail, check the official IRCC website. Look for the specific guide for your situation. Do not rely on third-party blogs for final decisions.
A Simple Checklist
1. Compare LMIA and contract job titles.
2. Verify wage amounts match exactly.
3. Confirm work location is correct.
4. Check passport validity dates.
5. Review family member documents.
6. Ensure medical exams are current.
If you have dealt with a positive LMIA, what detail caused the most confusion: the NOC code, the wage, or the work location? Share what you checked first to ensure your documents lined up. Did you find any discrepancies between the LMIA and your contract?
The officer is not just checking if you have a job offer. They are checking if the job offer matches the LMIA exactly. If the details do not align, the application can be refused for misrepresentation or lack of credibility.
You need to verify every single data point before you submit.
Check the Job Title and NOC Code
The LMIA letter lists a specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Your work permit application must use the same code. If the LMIA says NOC 6311 for a cook, but you apply under a different code, the officer may question the consistency.
Also, check the job title. It must match the LMIA. If the LMIA says "Restaurant Manager" and your contract says "General Manager," you need to explain why these are the same role. Do not leave this to outcome. The officer will compare the documents side by side.
Verify Wage and Working Conditions
The wage listed on the LMIA must match what is in your employment contract. If the LMIA states a wage of $20 per hour, your contract cannot say $18. Even a small discrepancy can raise questions about the genuineness of the offer.
Check the work location. The LMIA is often tied to a specific city or region. If you move to a different province or city, you may need a new LMIA. Do not assume you can work anywhere in Canada with one LMIA. The address on the LMIA, the contract, and your application must be consistent.
Review Passport and Status Expiry
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of the intended work permit. If your passport expires in six months, but you want a two-year work permit, you will get a permit that matches the passport expiry. You may need to renew your passport first.
If you are already in Canada on another status, such as a study permit, check your expiry date. You must apply before your status expires. If you apply after it expires, you lose your legal status. This is a common mistake that wastes time and money.
Family Documents and Medical Exams
If you are bringing family members, their documents must be ready. Spouses and children need their own applications. If they plan to work or study, they may need separate permits.
Medical exams are required for certain jobs or if you have lived in specific countries. Check if you need an upfront medical exam. If you do, the results must be valid when you apply. An expired medical exam will delay your application.
What to Keep Private
When discussing your case in public forums, protect your identity. Do not post your UCI, passport number, or full address. You can share the province, city, job title, and general timeline. This helps others give relevant advice without risking your privacy.
If you are unsure about a detail, check the official IRCC website. Look for the specific guide for your situation. Do not rely on third-party blogs for final decisions.
A Simple Checklist
1. Compare LMIA and contract job titles.
2. Verify wage amounts match exactly.
3. Confirm work location is correct.
4. Check passport validity dates.
5. Review family member documents.
6. Ensure medical exams are current.
If you have dealt with a positive LMIA, what detail caused the most confusion: the NOC code, the wage, or the work location? Share what you checked first to ensure your documents lined up. Did you find any discrepancies between the LMIA and your contract?
Another key point is the validity of your passport. IRCC requires your passport to be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. If your passport expires before your work permit end date, you will need to renew it first. This is a common oversight, especially for those who have been in Canada for several years. Make sure to check the expiry date on your passport and compare it with the proposed work permit duration.
Also, consider the timing of your status expiry. If you are applying from inside Canada, ensure you apply before your current status expires. Late submissions can lead to gaps in legal status, which complicates future applications.
Have you noticed any discrepancies between the LMIA job title and the actual duties in yo...