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What is ESDC approval in Canada?

What is ESDC?

ESDC full form Employment and Social Development Canada is a Department that works under the Government of Canada. They manage and draft policies to promote a strong labour market in Canada. They also play a crucial role in administering the LMIA process, which assists in hiring foreign workers for the Canadian job market. This is where the Canada ESDC Consultant assist in obtaining a positive LMIA.

How ESDC impacts foreign worker recruitment

The employer who hires a foreign worker through pathways like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or skilled immigration program must apply for an LMIA. An LMIA is a document that must be obtained by the employer, confirming that the foreign hire will not negatively impact the Canadian job market. And also, it is evident that the hiring priority was given to the local candidate first, and foreign workers are hired only after no Canadians are available. Obtaining Canada job offer letter processing time may vary due to this process. Eventually, the foreign hire must meet the working conditions and wages of the Canadian standards.

ESDC and LMIA connection

The Labour Market Impact Assessment is the document which is essential to apply for the work permit. This LMIA is granted by ESDC to allow the foreign hire to work in the Country. This ESDC approval is crucial to apply for both the work permit and certain immigration streams.

What does ESDC approval mean?

ESDC approval is a legal requirement for an employer to hire a foreign worker. Other benefits include:

Authorisation to hire:

The employer gets legal authorisation to hire a foreign worker to work in Canada.

Market Alignment:

Their approval ensures that the job offer aligns with Canada’s labour market demand and does not affect the local workers.

Employer responsibility:

Employers must follow the regulations laid out, such as wage lines, job conditions and also continue to give priority in hiring Canadian workers.
Hence, ESDC approval protects the Canadian workforce and also allows companies to satisfy their need by hiring global talent.

Know the process of getting ESDC approval

Step 1: Employer submits LMIA application

The employers submit the LMIA application to ESDC through the Service Canada portal. They must choose a stream to apply to depending on the job role. The streams include: 
  • High-wage positions
  • Low-wage occupations
  • Agricultural workers
  • Global Talent streams

Step 2: ESDC Canada Reviews Labour Market Factors

ESDC evaluates several factors, such as whether hiring a foreign worker will create or retain jobs. They also check whether they adhere to the Canadian wage levels, and also check that the employer has made efforts to hire locally beforehand.

Step 3: LMIA Decision issued

If the assessment is in good standing, ESDC issues a positive LMIA, which is known as ESDC approval. But if ESDC brings out an unfavourable decision, the employer will list the reason for the same. 

Step 4: Worker applies for work permit

Through the positive approval and issuance of the LMIA, the foreign worker applies to obtain a work permit from IRCC. Hence, it is crucial to acquire a positive LMIA to get a valid work permit to start your journey to Canada.

Documents required for ESDC approval

The employer must prepare and organise all the necessary documents to get an ESDC approval to proceed with the process:
  • Business Legitimacy documents, like proof of registration and tax filing
  • Job offer details, including description of the job, work location, duties and wages
  • Details of recruitment efforts that are made to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Records stating compliance records of employers who previously hired  foreign workers
  • ESDC approval letter fees 
Foreign workers must also furnish the documents:
  • A valid job offer from the employer
  • A copy of a positive LMIA
  • Identification records 
  • Qualification of work permit application
  • ESDC Canada fees
It is crucial to submit accurate documents free from any errors to eliminate any delay in the processing.

Challenges in ESDC Canada approval

Many employers face challenges in obtaining a positive ESDC approval:

Processing delays:

The LMIA process takes weeks to months to get the result. It may further delay due to the stream and region chosen. This is where the Canada ESDC consultant plays an important role in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Incomplete documentation:

When there is missing information with wages, job duties, or recruitment can lead to rejection. 

Negative labour market findings

If hiring a foreign worker brings a negative impact to Canadian workers, like denial of their work or displacing them, it may lead to LMIA denial by ESDC.

LMIA Expiry

The issued LMIA is valid only for a period of six months. Hence, it is crucial to apply work permit within that window; otherwise, the process to obtain an LMIA starts from the beginning. 

Croyez Immigration, your best Canada ESDC Consultant 

To get ESDC positive approval, the employer must have experience and up-to-date knowledge of Canada’s labour and immigration laws. This is where Croyez Immigration comes rescue to help both the employer and the foreign worker.

For Employers:

Croyez experts help to choose the right stream to apply for the LMIA. We assist in organising all the needed documents with accurate and compliant information. We help to acquire mandatory advertising and recruitment documentation to fulfil the ESDC requirements. We also support you with post-approval obligations.

For Foreign workers:

As the most trusted Canada ESDC Consultant, Croyez ensures both accuracy and fast processing for the ESDC approval process. Our team of experts will assist in organising and submitting the work permit with an issued LMIA. We ensure that all the document checklists meet IRCC and ESDC standards.

Conclusion

ESDC Canada LMIA approval is the most important step in hiring a foreign worker to work in Canada. Join hands with Croyez Immigration to enjoy smooth processing for both the LMIA and the work permit.

Author

Abirami – Content Writer

Expertise: Canada, Australia

Published on: September 23, 2025
Croyez

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