CBC: Alberta immigration experts say a job scam is targeting temporary foreign workers

Immigration lawyers, consultants and agencies in Alberta are sounding the alarm over what they say is a common scam targeting temporary foreign workers, as the province's population grows.

The scheme can involve employers, immigration consultants and recruiters who sometimes work together to promise jobs to temporary foreign workers — often for tens of thousands of dollars.

They sell labour market impact assessments (LMIAs). That's a federal document most employers need before they can hire a temporary foreign worker, proving they could not fill the job with a Canadian or permanent resident for at least 28 days.

It's illegal to charge for an LMIA under Canadian immigration laws. The government fee for an LMIA application ($1,000) should be fully covered by the employer who is facing a labour shortage.

But those who work in the immigration field say it's no secret that it does happen due to a poorly structured system, a lack of enforcement and desperation.