Employers hiring for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based jobs in Canada are now required to use the ‘Direct Apply’ feature on Canada’s National Job Bank for advertising, effective immediately. Failure to comply with this new regulation may lead to the rejection of the LMIA application. The Direct Apply function must be enabled for all job postings, and employers must review all resumes submitted through this feature. Non-compliance can result in restrictions on job postings, affecting the recruitment process and potentially leading to a failed LMIA application.

Impact on Employers

The introduction of the Direct Apply requirement sets a stricter standard for meeting LMIA advertising rules. Employers must now ensure that the Direct Apply function is active for all job postings on the Job Bank. Additionally, employers are still required to provide at least two alternative application methods. Failure to adhere to these requirements can have serious consequences, including restrictions on job postings and LMIA application rejection.

Canada’s Job Bank and the LMIA Advertising Requirement

Canada’s Job Bank serves as the government-run job board connecting job seekers and employers. Employers hiring for LMIA-based positions must advertise on the Job Bank to demonstrate compliance with advertising requirements. While most LMIA-based jobs require advertising, certain positions are exempt from this requirement, such as academics, camp counsellors, entertainment sector roles, and in-home caregivers. For a detailed list of exempt jobs, refer to the official resources.