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LMIA for Canadian Businesses
Help Canadian employers obtain Labour Market Impact Assessments to hire foreign workers legally and fill critical skill gaps.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Key Benefits
- For Canadian employers
- Required for most work permits
- Protects Canadian job market
- Enables hiring foreign workers
LMIA Types
- High-wage positions
- Low-wage positions
- Global Talent Stream
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker
Hire Foreign Workers
Legal pathway to fill skill gaps
Employer Requirements
- Legitimate business in Canada
- Demonstrate recruitment efforts
- Offer wages meeting requirements
- Provide safe working conditions
Recruitment Requirements
- Advertise on Job Bank for 4 weeks
- Additional recruitment activities
- Consider Canadian applicants
- Document recruitment efforts
Job Posting & Recruitment
Post job on Job Bank and conduct recruitment activities for required period.
Prepare Application
Gather all required documents and complete LMIA application forms.
Submit to ESDC
Submit application to Employment and Social Development Canada.
LMIA Decision
Receive positive or negative LMIA decision from ESDC.
Work Permit Application
Foreign worker applies for work permit using positive LMIA.
Hire Foreign Worker
Successfully hire qualified foreign worker to fill position.
High-Wage Positions
Wages at or above provincial/territorial median wage. Transition plan required to reduce reliance on foreign workers.
Low-Wage Positions
Wages below provincial/territorial median wage. Cap on percentage of foreign workers in workforce.
Global Talent Stream
Fast-track processing in 10 business days for high-skilled positions and designated partners.
Seasonal Agricultural
Special stream for agricultural employers with 8-week processing time and reduced fees.
Regular Processing
Standard LMIA processing takes 2-3 months with $1,000 fee per position for most applications.
Quebec LMIA
Special requirements and reduced fee of $275 per position for employers in Quebec.
Processing Times
| Stream | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Regular Stream | 2-3 months |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 business days |
| Seasonal Agricultural | 8 weeks |
| Quebec LMIA | 2-3 months |
LMIA Fees
| LMIA Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard LMIA | $1,000 per position |
| Quebec LMIA | $275 per position |
| Seasonal Agricultural | $275 per position |
| Global Talent Stream | $1,000 per position |