How to Verify a Canadian Company’s Offer Letter: A Comprehensive Guide

When you receive an offer letter from a Canadian company, it's essential to verify its authenticity to ensure you are not a victim of fraud. Here, we'll guide you through the process of checking an offer letter and ensuring it meets the necessary Canadian immigration requirements.

1. Ask for the LMIA Number

One of the most crucial steps in verifying a Canadian company's offer letter is obtaining the LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) number. This unique identifier confirms that the employer has applied for and received approval for hiring a foreign worker. Here’s how to request the LMIA number:

Contact the employer directly and ask them to provide the LMIA number. This information should be included in the offer letter. If the company is temporarily closed or the HR representative is unavailable, contact the Employer Operational Centre (EOC) of Service Canada. They can provide you with the necessary information. Visit the Canadian Government's official website for the EOC or call the Service Canada number listed on the employment collateral.

Once you have the LMIA number, you can verify its validity using the Service Canada LMIA online verification tool.

2. Check with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

After obtaining the LMIA number, the next step is to verify the authenticity of the number with the IRCC. This step ensures that the employer has met all the necessary requirements and received approval to hire a foreign worker.

Visit the IRCC website at Locate the LMIA verification section and enter the LMIA number. Check if the number is valid and appears in the database. If it does, the offer letter is authentic. If you have any doubts or encounter issues, you can contact IRCC directly for further assistance.

Remember, if you didn't apply to the company directly, it's a red flag, and the offer letter is likely fake. Canadian companies do not blindly recruit foreign nationals without proper due diligence and government approval. Always cross-reference and verify the offer letter with the relevant government databases and authorities.

3. Seek Expert Verification

If you are still unsure about the authenticity of the offer letter and the LMIA number, you can seek help from a trusted expert in Canadian immigration. Here’s how you can do it:

Identify a reputable immigration expert, such as Bengt Lindvall, who has substantial experience in this area. Send your personal and employment details to Bengt through his profile on Quora. He has a comprehensive database of verified employer information and can offer professional advice. Include a note indicating that the person who referred you is Qwen. This helps Bengt to verify your source and provide more accurate guidance.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the offer letter is legitimate and that you are proceeding with the right information. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate authorities or seek professional advice.

Key Takeaway: Always verify an offer letter by obtaining the LMIA number, checking it with IRCC, and seeking expert advice if needed. This ensures that you are not a victim of immigration fraud and that you are proceeding with legitimate and compliant employment.

Recommended Reading: Application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) - How to Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) -