A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document Canadian employers must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as proof that there is a legitimate need for a foreign worker to fill a specific job and that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to do the work.
Only Canadian employers can apply for an LMIA. The process is initiated by a business with an open position and is not something an individual foreign worker can apply for on their own.
An LMIA can be a powerful tool for a foreign worker's permanent residence application. A positive LMIA can provide a significant boost in points for programs like Express Entry.
There are different types of LMIAs, including streams for high-wage, low-wage, and permanent residency positions. This ensures the process is tailored to the specific needs of the job and the employer.
LMIAs for high-wage and low-wage positions have different requirements. For example, high-wage applications may require a transition plan to reduce reliance on foreign labor over time.
Not every job in Canada requires an LMIA. It's crucial to first assess whether your position is exempt, which could save you time and simplify the hiring process.
Any missing or inaccurate information can lead to significant delays or refusal.
A positive LMIA is tied to a specific job and employer, and it has an expiry date. The work permit issued from an LMIA is employer-specific, so the worker can't change jobs without a new LMIA.
We conduct a thorough assessment of your business's needs to determine the most suitable LMIA stream and build a strategic plan.
We guide you through the mandatory recruitment phase, helping you document your efforts to meet government requirements and justify the need for a foreign worker.
Our team meticulously prepares all the necessary forms and supporting documents, ensuring your application is complete and fully compliant.
A dedicated specialist is available to answer your questions and provide updates throughout the application process, from submission to final decision.
LMIA processing times vary by stream and workload. Employers should not assume quick approvals and must plan for potential delays, especially in industries with seasonal demands. Some programs, like the Global Talent Stream, may offer faster pathways for in-demand roles.
A positive LMIA can support both temporary work permits and permanent residence applications. For employers, this can help retain workers long-term, but obligations such as wages and conditions remain enforceable. Failure to comply can restrict future hiring opportunities.
Not all foreign worker hires require an LMIA. Some positions fall under LMIA-exempt categories through the International Mobility Program or trade agreements like CETA. Knowing whether an LMIA is truly required can save time and costs.
A significant number of LMIA applications are refused due to common, avoidable mistakes. One of the most frequent is a failure to meet the minimum advertising requirements, such as not posting the job on the correct platforms or for the required duration. Another major pitfall is providing an inadequate job description that doesn't align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code or offering wages that are below the prevailing rate. These errors can lead to a direct refusal without a chance to correct the application. Furthermore, a negative LMIA decision can delay a company's hiring plans significantly and may impact their ability to apply again in the future. Accuracy and attention to detail are paramount.
| LMIA Stream | Wage Criteria | Occupation Criteria | Business Criteria | Foreign Worker Criteria | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Wage | Above both the occupational and provincial median wage | Mostly requires semi/highly skilled occupations, but not limited to these. | Operational business must be in good financial standing |
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| Low Wage | Meets the provincial/territorial minimum wage | Requires low-skilled occupations | Operational business must be in good financial standing |
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| Agricultural or Seasonal Agricultural Worker | Wage rates as per wage tables or federal/provincial/territorial minimum wage rates, whichever is higher | Requires specific agricultural roles like managers, contractors, supervisors, etc. | Operational business in good financial standing; Must be farm, nursery or greenhouse; Production must be on the National Commodities List |
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| Permanent Residence (Express Entry) | High wage | Requires positions in NOC’s TEER 0/1/2/3, including management, professional, scientific, technical or trade occupationsRequires positions in NOC’s TEER 0/1/2/3, including management, professional, scientific, technical or trade occupationsRequires positions in NOC’s TEER 0/1/2/3, including management, professional, scientific, technical or trade occupations | Operational business must have been operating for at least 1 year, be in good financial standing, and offer a permanent job |
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| Global Talent | Equal to or above the median wage for the occupation and work location | Requires specific tech and engineering roles on the Global Talent Occupations List, or unique and specialized roles | Operational business must be in good financial standing, and for unique and specialized roles, the business must be an innovative firm with a referral from a designated organization |
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| In-Home Caregiver | Equal to or above the median wage for the occupation and work location | Requires specific caregiving jobs like child care provider, live-in caregiver, nanny, etc. | Open to families or private households in good financial standing requiring caregivers for children or persons with high medical needs |
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The LMIA process is often the first step in hiring a foreign worker. However, for certain positions, a work permit can be obtained without an LMIA, offering a different and often faster path.
Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.
While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score. These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry! If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.
If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.
Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.
Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.
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