Temporary Residence
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Support for employers seeking to hire a temporary foreign worker through an LMIA.
Overview
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker, confirming that there's a genuine need for the worker and that hiring them won't negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
The process involves the employer demonstrating recruitment efforts, offering a wage consistent with the position, and meeting other program requirements set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA then supports the foreign worker's own work permit application.
The stream depends mainly on the wage. Jobs paid at or above the wage threshold for the province or territory go through the high-wage stream, jobs paid below it go through the low-wage stream, and the Global Talent Stream offers expedited processing for certain highly skilled roles — each is explained on its own page. Other streams, such as those for agricultural workers, have their own rules, which we review case by case.
Who may consider this: Canadian employers who want to hire a foreign worker where no LMIA exemption applies.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Programs
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) contains more than one pathway. Each works a little differently — explore the one that best matches your background.
High-Wage Stream
The LMIA stream for jobs paid at or above the wage threshold for the province or territory.
Suitable for: Employers hiring a foreign worker for a position paid at or above the provincial or territorial wage threshold.
Explore
Low-Wage Stream
The LMIA stream for jobs paid below the provincial or territorial wage threshold, with added restrictions.
Suitable for: Employers hiring a foreign worker for a position paid below the wage threshold who can meet the stream's extra obligations.
Explore
Global Talent Stream
An LMIA stream with expedited processing for employers hiring highly skilled or specialized talent.
Suitable for: Innovative employers referred by a designated partner, or hiring for an occupation on the Global Talent Occupations List.
ExploreEligibility Considerations
- A genuine job vacancy with a legitimate Canadian business
- Documented recruitment efforts meeting current advertising requirements
- A wage at or above the prevailing wage for the occupation and region
- Compliance with past LMIA conditions, if the employer has hired temporary foreign workers before
- Complete business and financial documentation supporting the job offer
How It Works
Employer Assessment
We review the business, the role, and whether the LMIA stream fits the hiring need.
Recruitment Documentation
We confirm the recruitment steps taken meet current requirements before the application is filed.
Wage & Job Offer Review
We check the offered wage against the prevailing wage for the occupation and location.
Application Preparation
The LMIA application is prepared with all required business and recruitment evidence.
Submission to ESDC
The application is submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada for review.
Government Processing
ESDC reviews the application; processing times vary by stream and volume.
Decision & Next Steps
A positive LMIA then supports the foreign worker's employer-specific work permit application.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Business registration and ownership documents
- Proof of recruitment efforts (job postings, records of applicants considered)
- Detailed job offer, including wage and duties
- Financial statements or proof of business operations
- Transition plan, where applicable to the stream
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Recruitment efforts that don't meet the minimum advertising requirements or timeframes
- An offered wage below the current prevailing wage for the occupation
- Incomplete or inconsistent business documentation
- Job duties that don't align with the chosen occupation classification
How We Help
- Assess which LMIA stream fits the employer's hiring need
- Advise on recruitment steps before they're carried out, not after
- Check the wage offer against current prevailing wage data
- Prepare a complete, well-documented LMIA application
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an LMIA take to process?+
Processing times vary by stream and change periodically — we check current ESDC processing times before setting expectations.
Does a positive LMIA guarantee the work permit will be approved?+
No. A positive LMIA supports the work permit application, but IRCC still assesses the worker separately against admissibility and other requirements.
Can a small business apply for an LMIA?+
Yes, businesses of various sizes can apply, provided they meet the program's recruitment, wage, and documentation requirements.
What if the LMIA application is refused?+
Depending on the reasons, it may be possible to address the concerns and reapply, or to explore an LMIA-exempt pathway instead.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.