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LMIA Work Permits

LMIA-Based Work Permits

Secure your Canadian work permit through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Get the authorization you need to work legally in Canada with employer sponsorship.

LMIA Work Permit Stats

Processing Time2-6 months
Success Rate94%
LMIA Fee$1,000
Work Permit DurationUp to 3 years

What are LMIA Work Permits?

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permits allow foreign workers to work in Canada when employers demonstrate they cannot find suitable Canadian workers for the position

Labour Market Assessment
LMIA is a document that employers must obtain before hiring foreign workers, proving they made genuine efforts to hire Canadians first and the foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
  • Employer-driven process
  • Labour market testing required
  • Government assessment
Work Authorization
Once LMIA is approved, foreign workers can apply for a work permit to work legally in Canada for the specific employer and position outlined in the LMIA application.
  • Legal work authorization
  • Employer-specific permit
  • Up to 3-year duration
Pathway to PR
LMIA work permits can provide pathways to permanent residence through various immigration programs including Provincial Nominee Programs and Canadian Experience Class.
  • Canadian work experience
  • Provincial nomination eligibility

LMIA Work Permit Eligibility

Requirements for both employers and foreign workers to successfully obtain LMIA-based work permits

Requirements Overview

Worker Requirements
Essential
Job offerValid LMIA-supported
QualificationsMeet job requirements
LanguageEnglish/French proficiency
Employer Requirements
Critical
Business legitimacyRegistered & operating
Labour market testing4 weeks minimum
LMIA fee$1,000 per position
DocumentationRequired

• Detailed job description and requirements

• Recruitment efforts documentation

• Business financial statements

• Transition plan for hiring Canadians

Success Tips
  • Conduct thorough labour market testing
  • Offer competitive wages and benefits
  • Prepare comprehensive documentation
  • Demonstrate business need clearly
  • Work with experienced LMIA consultants

LMIA Application Process

Step-by-step guide to successfully obtain LMIA approval and work permit authorization in Canada

1

Labour Market Testing

Employer conducts recruitment efforts for minimum 4 weeks, advertising the position to Canadian workers and documenting all efforts.

2

LMIA Application

Submit comprehensive LMIA application with supporting documents, recruitment evidence, and $1,000 processing fee to ESDC.

3

LMIA Decision

ESDC reviews application and makes decision. If approved, positive LMIA is issued with specific conditions and validity period.

4

Work Permit Application

Foreign worker applies for work permit using positive LMIA, providing required documents and biometrics to IRCC.

Important Considerations

  • LMIA processing takes 2-6 months
  • Work permit processing additional 1-6 months
  • Comprehensive documentation required
  • Professional guidance highly recommended

Success Rate

94%

With proper preparation

LMIA Categories & Streams

Different LMIA streams available for various types of positions and worker categories

High-Wage Stream
For positions offering wages at or above the provincial/territorial median wage. Requires transition plan for hiring Canadians.
Wage Requirement:Above median wage
Transition Plan:Required
Processing Time:2-6 months
Duration:Up to 3 years
Low-Wage Stream
For positions offering wages below the provincial/territorial median wage. Subject to cap on percentage of low-wage workers.
Wage Requirement:Prevailing Wages
Worker Cap:10% of workforce
Processing Time:2-6 months
Duration:Up to 3 years
Global Talent Stream
Expedited processing for highly skilled workers and positions in high-demand occupations. Faster processing times available.
Category A:Referred employers
Category B:In-demand occupations
Processing Time:10 business days
Duration:Up to 2 years
Seasonal Agricultural
For agricultural employers needing temporary foreign workers for seasonal agricultural work under specific programs.
SAWP:Seasonal Agricultural
AHCP:Agricultural Helpers
Processing Time:8 weeks
Duration:Up to 8 months
In-Home Caregivers
For employers seeking to hire foreign workers to provide care in private homes for children, elderly, or disabled persons.
Child Care:Under 18 years
Senior Care:65+ years
Processing Time:3-6 months
Duration:Up to 2 years

Ready to Secure Your LMIA Work Permit?

Get expert guidance for your LMIA application process. Our experienced team will assess your eligibility and guide you through the labour market testing and application process for maximum success.

Free Assessment
LMIA Expertise
94% Success Rate