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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.
Processing
10-15 Days
Government Fee
$1,000/position
CRS Points
50-200 Points
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. It can also add 50 or 200 points to Express Entry CRS scores depending on the position, making it valuable for permanent residence applications.
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.
Book ConsultationRCIC 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 daysFor 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 daysFor 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 daysFor employers supporting a foreign worker permanent residence application. LMIA adds 50-200 CRS points depending on NOC category.
- 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 daysFor 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
200
CRS Points
For job offers in NOC TEER 0 or 1 (managerial or professional positions)
50
CRS Points
For job offers in NOC TEER 2 or 3 (technical or skilled trades positions)
A positive LMIA job offer can significantly boost your Express Entry CRS score. With 200 points, you are virtually guaranteed an Invitation to Apply in most draws.
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
How much does an LMIA cost?
The government processing fee is $1,000 per position. Additional costs include job advertising ($2,000-5,000) and potentially immigration consultant fees.
How long is an LMIA valid?
A positive LMIA is valid for 6 months. The foreign worker must apply for their work permit within this period.
Can I get 200 points for Express Entry with any LMIA?
You get 200 points for a valid LMIA job offer in NOC TEER 0 or 1 (managerial or professional). TEER 2 or 3 jobs get 50 points.
What advertising is required?
Minimum 4 weeks advertising on Job Bank, plus at least 2 additional recruitment methods. Ads must include wage, location, job duties, and skills required.
Can LMIA be refused? What are common reasons?
Yes. Common refusal reasons include insufficient recruitment efforts, wage below prevailing rate, concerns about job genuineness, or available Canadian workers.
Do all work permits need LMIA?
No. Many work permits are LMIA-exempt including intra-company transfers, CUSMA workers, post-graduation work permits, and spousal open work permits.
Can I change employers after getting LMIA-based work permit?
Generally no. LMIA-based work permits are employer-specific. You would need a new LMIA and work permit to change employers.
What is the Global Talent Stream?
An expedited LMIA stream for highly skilled tech workers. Processing target is 10 business days. Requires referral from designated partner or occupation on the in-demand list.
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.