A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when no suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job. A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on Canada’s labor market.
Employers must apply for an LMIA before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit. Once approved, the foreign worker can use the LMIA document to submit their work permit application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
LMIAs are required for most Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) positions but are not needed under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which includes exemptions for specific work categories like intra-company transfers and free trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, GATS).
Process to Obtain an LMIA
✅ Step 1: Employer Prepares Job Offer & Recruitment Efforts
- Employer posts job advertisements for at least four weeks to prove no Canadian workers are available.
- A detailed job offer letter is prepared, outlining wages, duties, and benefits.
✅ Step 2: Employer Submits LMIA Application
- Submit an LMIA application to ESDC with proof of recruitment efforts and employer compliance history.
- Pay the processing fee (usually $1,000 per position, except for some low-wage and caregiver roles).
✅ Step 3: ESDC Reviews & Assesses the Application
- ESDC evaluates the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian job market.
- Employers may be asked for additional information or an interview.
✅ Step 4: LMIA Decision & Work Permit Application
- If approved, a Positive LMIA is issued.
- The foreign worker applies for a work permit using the LMIA document and job offer.
Necessary Documents for an LMIA Application
✅ Business legitimacy documents (business license, tax records)
✅ Proof of recruitment efforts (job postings, interview records)
✅Job offer letter with wages, duties, and conditions
✅ Labour market impact analysis (why a foreign worker is needed)
✅ LMIA application form and processing fee payment receipt
FAQ Related To Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that Canadian employers need to hire foreign workers. It ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian job seekers.
Most foreign workers applying for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) need an LMIA. However, some jobs are exempt under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Processing times vary but typically take 8 to 12 weeks. High-demand occupations and priority categories (e.g., healthcare, agriculture) may be processed faster.
The processing fee is CAD $1,000 per position, except for caregiver and agricultural worker positions, which may be exempt.
If an LMIA is denied, the employer can review the reasons, improve their recruitment efforts, and reapply. Employers may also explore LMIA-exempt hiring options.
A positive LMIA is usually valid for 6 months. The foreign worker must apply for their work permit before it expires.
Yes! A positive LMIA can support a Permanent Residency (PR) application under Express Entry (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class).
No, but employers can apply for a new LMIA if they still need the foreign worker beyond the initial period.
