Canadian workplace
For Employers

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

LMIA is a document Canadian employers need before hiring most foreign workers. A positive LMIA shows that no Canadian worker is available for the job.

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Processing

10-15 Days

Government Fee

$1,000/position

Job Offer CRS Points

None since 2025

Validity

6 Months

Overview

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign worker for most positions. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews LMIA applications to ensure hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.

A positive LMIA (sometimes called a confirmation letter) indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available. A negative LMIA means the employer has not demonstrated a genuine need for a foreign worker.

For foreign workers, a positive LMIA is often required to apply for a work permit. Since March 25, 2025 it no longer adds Express Entry CRS points, but skilled work in Canada on an LMIA-based work permit counts toward permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class and many provincial nominee streams.

Why LMIA Matters

Verify no qualified Canadians available for the position
Ensure foreign worker hiring benefits Canadian economy
Protect wages and working conditions
Confirm employer can pay offered salary
Required for most work permit applications

Need LMIA Help?

Whether you are an employer or a foreign worker, our consultants can guide you through the LMIA process.

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RCIC License: R515110

LMIA Streams

Types of LMIA

Different streams for different hiring situations. Choose the one that fits your needs.

High-Wage Stream

10-15 business days

For positions paying at or above the provincial/territorial median hourly wage. Employers must submit a transition plan showing efforts to reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers.

  • Wage at or above provincial median
  • Transition plan required
  • Minimum 4 weeks recruitment advertising

Low-Wage Stream

10-15 business days

For positions paying below the provincial/territorial median hourly wage. Subject to caps on number of low-wage workers and additional requirements.

  • Wage below provincial median
  • Cap on TFW percentage (10-20%)
  • Transportation to Canada provided

Global Talent Stream

10 business days (target)

Expedited processing for highly skilled workers in tech and other in-demand occupations. Two categories: employer referral and occupation-based.

  • Category A: Referral from designated partner
  • Category B: In-demand occupation list
  • Labour Market Benefits Plan required

Permanent Residence Stream

10-15 business days

For employers supporting a foreign worker permanent residence application. Since March 25, 2025, an LMIA-supported job offer no longer adds Express Entry CRS points.

  • Job offer for permanent full-time position
  • NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  • Position lasts at least 1 year after PR

Agricultural Stream

10-15 business days

For agricultural and primary agriculture positions including farm workers, nursery workers, and harvesting laborers.

  • Position in primary agriculture
  • Seasonal or year-round positions
  • Accommodation for workers
Express Entry

LMIA and CRS Points

0
CRS Points for a Job Offer

IRCC removed job offer points for all Express Entry candidates on March 25, 2025, including LMIA-supported offers

1 year
Canadian Work Experience

Skilled work on an LMIA-based work permit earns CRS points for Canadian work experience and can qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class

A positive LMIA no longer adds CRS points. Its value for permanent residence now comes from the Canadian work experience you build on the work permit it supports, and from provincial nominee streams that require a job offer.

For Employers

Employer Requirements

  • Legitimate business operating in Canada
  • Ability to pay the offered wage
  • No unresolved compliance issues
  • Complete minimum recruitment efforts
  • Job offer meets prevailing wage
  • Workplace safety standards met
  • No layoffs in same position recently
Process

LMIA Application Steps

1

Determine if LMIA Required

Check if the position qualifies for LMIA exemption (intra-company transfers, CUSMA, international agreements). If not exempt, proceed with LMIA.

2

Conduct Recruitment

Advertise the position for minimum 4 weeks. Post on Job Bank and at least 2 other methods. Interview Canadian candidates.

3

Prepare Application

Complete the LMIA application form. Document recruitment efforts, explain why no Canadians were hired, and include business documents.

4

Submit to ESDC

Submit application through the LMIA Online Portal. Pay the $1,000 processing fee per position.

5

ESDC Review

ESDC reviews the application. They may request additional information or conduct an interview.

6

Receive Decision

Positive LMIA is sent to employer. Employer provides copy to foreign worker for work permit application.

Costs

LMIA Fees

Processing Fee (per position)$1,000 per position
Recruitment Advertising (estimated)$2,000-5,000 (estimated recruitment costs)
LMIA-Exempt Positions$0

The $1,000 fee is non-refundable even if the LMIA is refused. Additional costs include job advertising, consultant fees, and any required assessments.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $4000 a month good in Canada?
$4,000 monthly equals $48,000 annually before tax. In smaller Canadian cities, this supports a modest single-person lifestyle. In Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, where rent alone often runs $2,000 to $2,800, $4,000 leaves little room for savings, transport, and groceries. Median individual income in Canada in 2026 is around $58,000, so $48,000 sits below median. For LMIA purposes, hourly wage above the provincial median qualifies for the high-wage stream. Below that figure puts the position into the low-wage stream. Go Far Global RCICs assess LMIA wage classifications during a $100 paid consultation.
What jobs pay $200,000 a year in Canada?
$200,000 annual salaries in Canada typically appear in specialist physician roles, dental surgery, senior software engineering at major tech firms, investment banking, corporate law partnerships, oil and gas executives, mining engineers, airline captains, and some director-level government positions. These wages exceed the high-wage LMIA threshold in every province. Employers can pursue LMIA under the high-wage stream with the $1,000 fee. Wage above provincial median grants access to the high-wage stream rules. Go Far Global RCICs prepare LMIA applications for high-wage positions during a $100 paid consultation.
How many people in Canada earn over $100,000?
Statistics Canada data from 2024 shows roughly 18 to 20 percent of Canadian tax filers report total income above $100,000. The figure rises in Alberta and falls in Atlantic provinces. Median individual income in 2026 sits around $58,000, so $100,000 places earners well above median. For LMIA classification, $100,000 always qualifies for the high-wage stream regardless of province, since it exceeds every provincial median wage threshold. The $1,000 LMIA fee applies to both streams. Go Far Global RCICs prepare high-wage LMIA applications during a $100 paid consultation.
What is considered high-wage for LMIA?
High-wage LMIA applies when the offered wage equals or exceeds the median hourly wage for the province or territory of work. ESDC publishes provincial median wages and updates them periodically. In Ontario in 2026, the threshold sits around $28.39 per hour, while British Columbia is near $28.85 per hour. Anything below the provincial median falls into the low-wage stream, which carries different rules and a 10 percent workforce cap. The LMIA fee is $1,000 for both streams. Go Far Global RCICs prepare high-wage LMIAs during a $100 paid consultation.
How long does it take to get high-wage LMIA?
Standard high-wage LMIA processing in 2026 averages 3 to 6 months. Files routed through the Global Talent Stream receive 2-week service standards. Other streams within high-wage processing depend on ESDC workload, completeness of recruitment evidence, and whether labour market consultations are required. Recruitment efforts must run at least 4 weeks before submission, including 3 distinct methods such as Job Bank, regional sites, and targeted outreach. The fee is $1,000. Go Far Global RCICs prepare LMIA files and recruitment plans during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.
How long does high wage LMIA take?
High-wage LMIA processing takes 3 to 6 months on average through the standard stream. Global Talent Stream applications receive 2-week service standards for designated employer roles in eligible occupations. Processing times depend on ESDC backlog, completeness of recruitment documentation, file accuracy, and whether the position is in a sector under additional review. Recruitment must demonstrate at least 4 weeks of advertising on Job Bank plus 2 other methods. The $1,000 fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Go Far Global RCICs prepare LMIA submissions during a $100 paid consultation.
What are the new rules for high-wage LMIA?
ESDC tightened high-wage LMIA rules in late 2024 by raising the wage threshold to 20 percent above the provincial median for many occupations, restricting access in metro areas with unemployment above 6 percent, and increasing scrutiny of genuine recruitment efforts. Some occupations face refusal in regions where Canadian workers are available. The LMIA fee remains $1,000. Employers must demonstrate compliance with wage, recruitment, and workplace standards. ESDC continues to publish updated lists of restricted occupations. Go Far Global RCICs review high-wage LMIA eligibility during a $100 paid consultation.
What jobs pay $500,000 a year in Canada?
$500,000 annual income in Canada is rare and typically appears in specialist surgery, senior partner positions at major law firms, principal investment banking roles, C-suite executives at large corporations, top-tier oil and gas leadership, and some senior tech positions at major firms. These figures sit far above any provincial median wage and qualify automatically for the high-wage LMIA stream. The standard $1,000 LMIA fee applies. Recruitment requirements still apply unless the role is processed through the Global Talent Stream. Go Far Global RCICs handle high-wage LMIAs during a $100 paid consultation.
What is a low-wage stream in LMIA?
The low-wage LMIA stream applies when the offered hourly wage falls below the provincial or territorial median wage. Employers face a 10 percent cap on the share of low-wage temporary foreign workers within their total workforce, must provide round-trip transportation, must arrange or provide affordable housing, and must register with provincial worker protection programs. ESDC also restricts low-wage LMIAs in metro areas with unemployment above 6 percent for many sectors. The fee is $1,000. Go Far Global RCICs review low-wage LMIA eligibility during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.
Is low-wage LMIA closed?
Low-wage LMIA processing is not fully closed but heavily restricted. As of late 2024, ESDC suspended low-wage LMIA processing in metro areas where unemployment is at or above 6 percent, except for primary agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare. The 10 percent workforce cap applies to most sectors. Some occupations face outright refusal in affected regions. Employers should verify whether their location and sector remain eligible before paying the $1,000 fee. Go Far Global RCICs check current restrictions during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

Need Help with LMIA?

Whether you are an employer looking to hire foreign talent or a worker seeking an LMIA-backed job offer, our consultants can help.

Book a Consultationinfo@gofarglobal.com

Related Programs

Work Permits

Apply for a work permit with your positive LMIA

Learn more

Express Entry

LMIA work experience counts toward Express Entry

Learn more

Intra-Company Transfer

LMIA-exempt option for multinational transfers

Learn more

PNP Entrepreneur

Business immigration without LMIA requirement

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Related Immigration Options

Work Permits

Work legally in Canada

Express Entry

Fast track to PR

CRS Calculator

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.