Secure your Canadian work permit through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Get the authorization you need to work legally in Canada with employer sponsorship.
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
Requirements for both employers and foreign workers to successfully obtain LMIA-based work permits
• Detailed job description and requirements
• Recruitment efforts documentation
• Business financial statements
• Transition plan for hiring Canadians
Step-by-step guide to successfully obtain LMIA approval and work permit authorization in Canada
Employer conducts recruitment efforts for minimum 4 weeks, advertising the position to Canadian workers and documenting all efforts.
Submit comprehensive LMIA application with supporting documents, recruitment evidence, and $1,000 processing fee to ESDC.
ESDC reviews application and makes decision. If approved, positive LMIA is issued with specific conditions and validity period.
Foreign worker applies for work permit using positive LMIA, providing required documents and biometrics to IRCC.
94%
With proper preparation
Different LMIA streams available for various types of positions and worker categories
Common questions about the Labour Market Impact Assessment process
Still have questions? Talk to our team
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign worker, proving they made genuine efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident first and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
LMIA processing typically takes 2 to 6 months, which includes at least 4 weeks of mandatory recruitment advertising before the employer can submit the application to ESDC.
The employer is responsible for paying the $1,000 LMIA processing fee per position. This cost cannot be passed on to the foreign worker under Canadian labour law.
Yes. A valid LMIA-supported job offer can add significant CRS points to your Express Entry profile and may also support eligibility under various Provincial Nominee Program streams.
If ESDC refuses the LMIA, the employer can review the reasons provided, address any deficiencies such as insufficient recruitment efforts or wage issues, and reapply with a stronger application.