WORK IN CANADA
LMIA (for Employers)
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What it is
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the approval a Canadian employer needs from Employment and Social Development Canada before hiring most foreign workers. It confirms that no Canadian or permanent resident was available for the job, and a positive LMIA lets the worker apply for an employer-specific work permit.
Who is eligible
- A legitimate Canadian business with a genuine position to fill
- A wage at or above the prevailing rate for the occupation and region
- Recruitment efforts aimed at Canadians and permanent residents first
- A $1,000 processing fee per position, paid by the employer and never recovered from the worker
Jobs paying above the provincial wage threshold go through the high-wage stream; jobs below it go through the low-wage stream. Low-wage jobs must be advertised for eight consecutive weeks, with outreach to youth, and are not processed in cities with unemployment of 6% or higher. A positive LMIA is valid for six months.
Hiring from abroad? Book a 30-minute consultation before you start advertising.
Service information supplied by Visazone · October 24, 2026. Program requirements can change; confirm the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
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