It plays an important role in Canada, ensuring that hiring foreign workers will not negatively affect the local job market. Before an LMIA can be issued, employers must show that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available for that position and that obtaining a qualified Canadian or permanent resident for this position would likely cause undue hardship to the employer. Most temporary work permits require an LMIA. It includes posting information about the position, documenting their recruitment efforts, and submitting this application along with a fee. Upon approval, a LMIA remains valid for six months in which the foreign worker may make an application for a work permit. While it is designed to be pretty safeguarding, the process to obtain a LMIA is undoubtedly cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive for employers.
https://lmia.oasis-india.com/blogs/understanding-the-lmia-canada-process/