LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

An LMIA is an official document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker for a job in Canada. It assesses whether the hiring will have a positive or negative impact on the Canadian labor market.

Types of LMIA


Positive LMIA: Employer is allowed to hire a foreign worker.

Negative LMIA: Employer cannot hire a foreign worker as there are qualified Canadians or permanent residents available for the job.

Opportunities for Growth: Canada provides international students with work opportunities during their studies and post-graduation, paving the way for career advancement and permanent residency.

  • LMIA-Required Work Permits

    If the employer gets a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit using this document under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

  • Application Process for Employers

    Employers must:

    • Submit an LMIA application to ESDC.
    • Prove that they tried to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first.
    • Ensure that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact Canadian wages or working conditions.

  • Requirements for Workers

    Once an LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit. They may also need to show sufficient funds and pass health and security checks.

  • LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

    Some workers do not require an LMIA, such as those under the International Mobility Program (IMP), for example, workers coming under NAFTA or as Intra-Company Transferees.

  • LMIA Fees

    Employers typically need to pay a fee (around CAD $1,000) when applying for an LMIA. Some streams, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, may not require an LMIA.

  • LMIA-Related Work Permits

    • High-Wage LMIA: For workers paid above the provincial median wage.
    • Low-Wage LMIA: For workers paid below the provincial median wage, with additional requirements for Canadian labor market protection.
    • Transition Plans: Employers applying for a low-wage LMIA may need to develop a transition plan to reduce dependence on foreign workers.

  • LMIA and Permanent Residency

    A positive LMIA may also provide a pathway for workers to apply for permanent residency through programs such as Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

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