IMMIGRATION SERVICES

LMIA Canada (Labor Market Impact Assessment)

An LMIA Canada application is often required for employers who want to hire foreign workers. Whether you are an employer or a foreign worker, we help you navigate the LMIA process with clarity, accuracy, and compliance.

OVERVIEW

What Is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker when no suitable Canadian worker is available.

A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market and is often required before a work permit can be issued.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is LMIA Support Right for You?

This service is for Canadian employers who want to hire a foreign worker and need help understanding whether an LMIA is required, which stream applies, and what documents must be prepared before applying.

Employers Hiring a Foreign Worker

You have identified a foreign worker and need to know whether your business must apply for an LMIA before the worker can apply for a work permit.

Manitoba Businesses Facing Labour Shortages

You are struggling to fill a position locally and want to explore whether the Temporary Foreign Worker Program may be an option.

Employers Supporting PR Pathways

You want to support a foreign worker’s work permit or permanent residence pathway through a valid job offer and LMIA strategy.

Workers With a Canadian Job Offer

You have a Canadian employer willing to hire you, but you need to understand whether the employer must complete the LMIA process first.

An LMIA is not just a form. Service Canada reviews the employer, job offer, wage, recruitment efforts, working conditions, and whether hiring a foreign worker may affect the Canadian labor market.

Who Needs an LMIA?

An LMIA is typically required when:

  • A Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign worker
  • The position cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • The job does not qualify for an LMIA-exempt category

Foreign workers may also need an LMIA to support their work permit application.

ELIGIBILITY

LMIA Requirements for Employers

Employers applying for an LMIA must:

1

Demonstrate Efforts

Demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadian workers

2

Proof of Advertising

Provide proof of job advertising and recruitment

3

Standardized Wages

Offer wages that meet prevailing standards

4

Genuine Job Offer

Show that the job offer is genuine

5

Compliance

Comply with employment and labor laws

Types of LMIA Applications

There are different types of LMIA applications depending on the role and situation:

  • High-wage LMIA
  • Low-wage LMIA
  • LMIA for permanent residence (PR-supporting LMIA)
  • Agricultural and caregiver streams

Each category has specific requirements and processing conditions.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Mistakes That Can Weaken an LMIA Application

LMIA applications can be refused, delayed, or returned when the employer’s recruitment, wage, job details, or business documents do not meet program requirements.

Wrong LMIA Stream

Employers may apply under the wrong stream, such as high-wage, low-wage, permanent residence support, caregiver, agricultural, or another category.

Incomplete Recruitment Efforts

Recruitment must usually be completed properly before applying. Missing job ads, wrong advertising dates, or weak recruitment records can create problems.

Wage Does Not Meet Requirements

The offered wage must meet the applicable wage requirement for the position and location. Wage level can also affect which LMIA stream applies.

Weak Job Offer Details

The job duties, NOC/TEER classification, work location, hours, salary, and employment conditions must be clear and consistent.

Missing Business Documents

Employers may need to show that the business is genuine, active, financially able to hire, and compliant with employment standards.

No Compliance Planning

Employers sometimes focus only on approval and forget that LMIA approval also creates ongoing employer responsibilities and possible inspection risk.

OUR PROCESS

How We Help

We provide structured support for LMIA applications

1

Assess Eligibility

Assess eligibility of the employer and position

2

Guide Recruitment

Guide recruitment and advertising requirements

3

Review Documentation

Prepare and review all supporting documents

4

Support Application

Submit a complete and compliant LMIA application

5

Support You

Provide support for follow-up and next steps

WHAT WOY REVIEWS

What We Check Before Advising You

Before recommending an LMIA strategy, we review the employer’s business, the job offer, recruitment history, wage level, and whether an LMIA is actually required.

  • Whether the position requires an LMIA or may be LMIA-exempt
  • The employer’s business registration and operational history
  • The job title, duties, wage, hours, and work location
  • The correct NOC/TEER classification
  • Whether the position falls under high-wage or low-wage rules
  • Recruitment efforts, advertising records, and candidate screening notes
  • Whether a transition plan is required for a high-wage position
  • The employer’s ability to pay the offered wage
  • Employment standards, workplace safety, and compliance considerations
  • The foreign worker’s qualifications for the role
  • Whether the LMIA is for temporary work or PR support
  • Any previous LMIA refusal, inspection, or employer compliance issue


Our goal is to identify problems before the application is submitted. A strong LMIA application must show that the employer followed the rules and that the job offer is genuine.

FEES & COSTS

LMIA Application

LMIA applications involve government fees and professional service fees. Costs vary depending on the type of LMIA and complexity of the case.

Visit our Pricing page or book a consultation to receive a personalized cost breakdown.

View Full Pricing

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

Your Pre-Consultation Checklist

You do not need to have everything perfect before speaking with us. Bring what you already have, and we will explain what is missing.

1

Prepare Business Registration Documents

Bring your business registration, CRA business number, payroll information, operating licence if applicable, and documents showing the business is active in Canada.

2

Prepare the Job Offer Details

Bring the job title, duties, wage, hours, work location, employment type, expected start date, and any draft employment contract or offer letter.

3

Prepare Recruitment Records

Bring job advertisements, posting dates, platforms used, resumes received, interview notes, and reasons Canadian citizens or permanent residents were not selected.

4

Prepare Financial and Payroll Information

Bring payroll records, tax documents, financial statements, or other evidence showing the employer can pay the offered wage and support the position.

5

Prepare the Worker’s Qualification Documents

Bring the foreign worker’s resume, education records, employment references, licences, certifications, passport details, and any previous Canadian immigration documents.

If you are unsure whether a document is required, bring it. LMIA applications are evidence-based, so early review helps avoid weak or incomplete submissions.

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

What Happens Next?

After your consultation, you will understand whether an LMIA is required, which stream may apply, and what the employer must prepare before submission.

We Confirm Whether an LMIA Is Required

We review the job offer, worker profile, and immigration pathway to determine whether the employer likely needs an LMIA or whether an exemption may apply.

We Identify the Correct LMIA Stream

We assess the wage, occupation, location, and purpose of the job offer to determine which LMIA stream should be considered.

We Review Recruitment and Employer Documents

We check whether the recruitment efforts, business records, wage details, and job offer documents are complete and consistent.

We Prepare the LMIA Application Package

If WOY is retained, we help organize the required documents, prepare the application forms, draft supporting explanations, and guide the employer through submission requirements.

We Support the Next Immigration Step

After the LMIA decision, we help explain the result and support the worker’s next step, such as a work permit application or permanent residence strategy where applicable.

FAQ

LMIA FAQs

What is LMIA Canada?

An LMIA Canada is an approval issued by ESDC that allows employers to hire foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available.

Can a foreign worker apply for an LMIA?

No. LMIA applications must be submitted by the employer. However, foreign workers benefit from a positive LMIA when applying for a work permit.

What happens after a positive LMIA?

A positive LMIA allows the foreign worker to apply for a work permit and, in some cases, can support a permanent residence application.

How long does an LMIA take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of LMIA and application volume, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months.

Is LMIA required for all work permits?

No. Some work permits are LMIA-exempt under specific programs such as the International Mobility Program.

Need help with an LMIA application?

Book a consultation to ensure your application meets all requirements and is positioned for approval.

Book A Consultation