Work Permit Program

LMIA Work Permit

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the most common pathway for employer-sponsored work permits. When Canadian employers cannot find qualified Canadians, they can hire foreign workers through the LMIA process.

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Processing Time

2-8 weeks after LMIA approval

Application Fee

$155 CAD

Documents

8 Required

PR Pathway

Available

Program Overview

About LMIA Work Permit

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It demonstrates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian is available to do the job.

The LMIA process requires employers to advertise the position and demonstrate recruitment efforts. Once IRCC approves the LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.

LMIA-based work permits are employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the employer named on your permit. These permits can serve as stepping stones to permanent residence through Express Entry or provincial programs.

Work Permit Conditions

Work only for the employer named on the permit

Work only in the occupation and location specified

Cannot work for another employer without new authorization

Must leave Canada when the permit expires unless you extend or change status

Free Work Permit Assessment

Find out if you qualify for a LMIA work permit. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile and provide guidance.

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RCIC License: R515110

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Meet these requirements to qualify for LMIA Work Permit.

Job offer from a Canadian employer with positive LMIA

Qualifications and experience for the position

Intent to leave Canada when work permit expires

Proof of financial ability to support yourself

Clean criminal record and good health

Not inadmissible to Canada

How to Apply

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to applying for LMIA Work Permit.

Employer Obtains LMIA

Your Canadian employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for an LMIA. They must prove recruitment efforts and demonstrate need for a foreign worker.

LMIA Approval

If approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA and provides you with a copy and the job offer letter.

Work Permit Application

Apply for your work permit online or at a visa office. Include the LMIA number, job offer, and supporting documents.

Biometrics and Medical

Complete biometrics at a designated location. Medical exams may be required for certain occupations or durations.

Decision and Travel

Receive work permit approval. You may receive the permit at the port of entry or it may be mailed depending on your country.

Documentation

Required Documents

Gather these documents before starting your application.

Valid passport

LMIA number and copy of the positive LMIA

Job offer letter from employer

Proof of qualifications (education, experience)

Proof of funds for initial settlement

Police certificates

Medical exam results (if required)

Photographs meeting specifications

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Costs

Application Fees

Government fees for LMIA work permit applications.

Work Permit Application

$155 CAD

Biometrics

$85 CAD

LMIA Employer Fee

$1,000 CAD (paid by employer)

* Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

How LMIA can lead to Canadian PR

LMIA work permits provide Canadian work experience that can qualify you for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class. One year of skilled work experience makes you eligible. Many provincial programs also accept LMIA-based workers.

Explore Express Entry Provincial Programs

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about LMIA Work Permit

What is the LMIA work visa for Canada?

An LMIA work permit is an employer-specific permit issued after Service Canada confirms hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian labour market. The employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment by paying the $1,000 LMIA fee, advertising the role to Canadians, and proving genuine need. Once approved, the worker applies for the permit itself ($155 government fee plus $85 biometrics, totalling $240). The permit ties you to that specific employer, job, and location. Switching employers requires a new LMIA-supported application.

Who is eligible for an LMIA?

The LMIA is requested by the employer, not the worker. To qualify, the Canadian employer must demonstrate they advertised the position for at least 28 days across required platforms, paid prevailing wages, and could not find a Canadian or permanent resident to fill the role. The worker must then meet IRCC requirements: valid passport, qualifications matching the NOC code, clean criminal record, medical exam if needed, and proof of funds. As of 2026, low-wage stream caps and refusal regions apply, so employer eligibility depends on unemployment data.

Which province is easy to get PR in 2026?

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland) currently have the most accessible PNP streams in 2026 because their labour shortages remain acute and CRS draw cutoffs run lower than Ontario or BC. The Atlantic Immigration Program prioritizes designated employer job offers. Saskatchewan's Occupations In-Demand and Manitoba's Skilled Worker stream accept candidates without a job offer if their NOC matches provincial needs. Speak with an RCIC at our $100 paid consultation (credited if you retain us) to map your strongest provincial pathway.

What happens after 5 years of PR?

Permanent residents must renew their PR card every five years, but PR status itself does not expire as long as you meet the residency obligation: 730 days physically present in Canada within any rolling five-year period. After five years of PR, most candidates qualify to apply for Canadian citizenship if they have spent at least 1,095 days physically in Canada during the qualifying period, filed taxes for three years, and pass the citizenship test and language assessment. PR card renewal costs $50.

Who is eligible for an LMIA work permit?

You are eligible for an LMIA work permit once your Canadian employer holds a positive LMIA decision naming you as the worker. You must hold a valid passport, meet the qualifications listed in the LMIA (education, work experience, licensing where required), pass medicals if working in healthcare or childcare, and satisfy admissibility checks including criminal background. The job offer must match the NOC code on the LMIA. Applications are filed online through the IRCC portal with the $155 fee plus $85 biometrics.

What is the new rule for LMIA in Canada?

In 2026, IRCC kept the tightened low-wage LMIA rules introduced in late 2024: refusal to process applications in census metropolitan areas with unemployment at or above 6 percent, a 10 percent cap on low-wage TFWs per worksite (20 percent in priority sectors), and maximum two-year permit duration. The high-wage stream remains available with valid LMIAs. Maintained status during permit extensions doubled to 365 days in April 2026. Employers must still pay the $1,000 LMIA fee and demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts.

How long is an LMIA valid for?

A positive LMIA decision is valid for six months from the date of issuance. The foreign worker must submit their work permit application within that six-month window using the LMIA number. Once the work permit is issued, its duration is set by the LMIA itself, typically up to two years for low-wage positions and up to three years for high-wage roles. Employers cannot extend the LMIA validity, so timing the worker's application is essential to avoid restarting the recruitment process.

How long is LMIA valid for?

An LMIA is valid for six months after issuance, meaning the worker has six months to apply for their work permit using the LMIA confirmation letter. If the application is not submitted in time, the LMIA expires and the employer must reapply, paying the $1,000 fee again. Some Global Talent Stream LMIAs may have shorter validity tied to specific project timelines. Once the permit is granted, the work authorization itself can run up to three years for high-wage occupations or two years for low-wage roles.

Ready to Apply for LMIA?

Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants. We'll assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.

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Explore Other Work Permit Types

OWP

Open Work Permit

PGWP

Post-Graduation Work Permit

BOWP

Bridging Open Work Permit

IMP

International Mobility Program

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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.