If you cannot find Canadians or permanent residents to fill a job, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be needed. An LMIA is a federal approval confirming that hiring a temporary foreign worker will not harm the Canadian job market. Most employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must receive a positive LMIA before the worker can apply for a work permit.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It checks whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on jobs in Canada.
Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, most employers need an LMIA unless the job is specifically LMIA‑exempt under immigration rules.
You generally need an LMIA if:
A positive LMIA confirms that no Canadians are available for the job and allows the worker to apply for a work permit.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program lets Canadian employers hire foreign workers on a temporary basis when labour shortages exist.
To be eligible, you must:
If your business is in Quebec, extra steps apply. Employers must submit LMIA applications to both Service Canada and Quebec’s immigration authority. You may also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for work periods longer than 30 days.
You must prepare your LMIA application carefully. If you miss details, your application may be delayed or refused.
LMIA requirements are different by stream:
Each stream has different rules for job ads, wages, and hiring plans.
Before applying, you must try to recruit Canadians. This usually means:
Keep proof of your recruitment efforts.
Send your application to Service Canada. It must include:
As of June 2024, the LMIA processing fee is $1,000 per position. Employers must pay this fee, and it cannot be recovered from the worker.
Service Canada will issue:
If approved, give the LMIA number to the worker so they can apply for a work permit.
Job ads must meet content and duration rules. Generic postings often fail audits.
Wages must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation and region.
High‑wage and low‑wage streams have very different requirements.
Any business size can use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program if requirements are met.
Applying for an LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program takes careful planning. Choosing the right stream, paying the correct wage, and meeting recruitment rules can prevent delays. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active labour and workforce programs across Canada, helping you find hiring supports that fit your business needs.
Q: Do all employers need an LMIA to hire a foreign worker?
No. Some jobs are LMIA‑exempt under the International Mobility Program. Most Temporary Foreign Worker Program positions do require an LMIA.
Q: How long does it take to get an LMIA approved?
Processing times depend on the stream, occupation, and quality of the application. Incomplete applications often take longer or are refused.
Q: How much does an LMIA application cost?
The LMIA processing fee is $1,000 per position, paid by the employer. This fee cannot be charged to the worker.
Q: What is a positive LMIA?
A positive LMIA means hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market and lets the worker apply for a work permit.
Q: Can small businesses apply under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?
Yes. Small businesses are eligible if they meet program and labour law requirements.
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