Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Obtain LMIA approval to hire foreign workers when no Canadians are available for the position.
Licensed RCIC-IRB • Personalized guidance for your application
Overview
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do it. The LMIA is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Processing times and requirements vary by stream (high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, etc.).
Who This Is For
- Employers hiring for positions that require LMIA
- Businesses in high-wage or low-wage streams
- Agricultural employers
- Employers supporting workers' PR applications (LMIA for PR)
Eligibility Highlights
- Genuine business operating in Canada
- Genuine job offer that meets prevailing wages
- Evidence of recruitment efforts to hire Canadians first
- Ability to fulfill the terms of the job offer
- Not involved in labor disputes at the work site
Required Documents
Application Process
How we help you through this application
Stream Determination
We identify which LMIA stream applies to your position.
Recruitment Campaign
We advise on proper recruitment to meet ESDC requirements.
LMIA Submission
We prepare and submit your LMIA application with complete documentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences to strengthen your application
Wrong Wage Rate
Offering wages below the median for the occupation in your region.
Inadequate Advertising
Not meeting the minimum advertising requirements.
Missing Transition Plan
High-wage LMIA requires a plan to transition to Canadian workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about labour market impact assessment (lmia)
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