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Migration Overseas
LMIA Process
Complete guide to Canada's Labour Market Impact Assessment. Understand the employer sponsorship process, LMIA requirements, and how to transition to permanent residence.
The Labour Market Impact Assessment explained
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process through which Canadian employers can demonstrate that they need to hire a temporary foreign worker because no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position. A positive LMIA allows employers to hire international workers on work permits.
For the worker, a positive LMIA can provide a pathway to permanent residence. Workers with a LMIA-supported job offer receive 50 or 200 CRS points (depending on the LMIA type), which can help qualify for Express Entry.
Canadian employers initiate LMIA applications. You cannot apply yourself. Your Canadian employer must sponsor you.
Employers must pay a non-refundable $1,000 fee per LMIA application per position.
A positive LMIA provides priority processing and CRS points. High-wage LMIAs provide 200 points, virtually guaranteeing Express Entry selection.
Categories that don't require LMIA
Some work permits don't require a positive LMIA. These include:
Different LMIA streams for different needs
| LMIA Type | Salary | CRS | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Wage | At/above prevailing wage | 200 | 4-6 weeks |
| Low-Wage | Below prevailing wage | 50 | 8-12 weeks |
| Global Talent | $200k+ OR specialized skills | 200 | 2 weeks |
| Agricultural | Prevailing wage | 200/50 | 4-8 weeks |
| Caregiver | Min wage | 200 | 6-8 weeks |
Using LMIA to boost your CRS score
High-Wage LMIA (+200 CRS points): Most candidates reach 500+ CRS and receive an ITA in the next draw.
Low-Wage LMIA (+50 CRS points): Useful for candidates with higher base scores or combined with Provincial Nominee Program.
Timeline: LMIA processing (4-12 weeks) + work permit application (2-4 weeks) + Canadian work experience (12+ months) = 18-24 months to PR.
How employers apply for and obtain LMIA approval
You must receive a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must include position details, salary, duties, and employment duration.
Your employer submits an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). They must pay the $1,000 non-refundable fee.
Employers must prove they advertised the position to Canadian citizens and permanent residents first. This typically involves 4 weeks of job posting.
ESDC reviews the application, recruitment efforts, and justification for hiring a foreign worker. Processing times vary: 2 weeks to 12 weeks.
ESDC issues either a positive or negative LMIA. If positive, you can now apply for a work permit. Processing time: typically 2-4 weeks after approval.
Using the positive LMIA, you apply for a work permit to IRCC. Include the LMIA letter, job offer, passport, and police certificates.
What employers must submit with LMIA application
Fastest processing: 2 weeks. Highest CRS points (200) but requires high salary or specialized skills.
Standard processing: 4-6 weeks. Salary must match or exceed prevailing wage. Awards 200 CRS points.
Longest processing: 8-12 weeks. Awards only 50 CRS points. Requires comprehensive transition plan.
Understanding why applications get denied
Failed to demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Canadian citizens or PRs applied and were equally or more qualified. ESDC concluded the position could be filled by a Canadian worker.
Offered salary is below prevailing wage for the region and position.
ESDC determined hiring a foreign worker would negatively impact Canadian workers' employment opportunities.
Application contains false or misleading information. Can result in employer bans.
Employer has history of violating LMIA terms or employing workers beyond agreement scope.
Where to search for employer-sponsored positions
Job Boards with LMIA Opportunities:
Common questions about LMIA process and work permits
The employer pays the $1,000 LMIA fee. Some employers expect workers to reimburse, which is technically prohibited but sometimes negotiated. The fee is non-refundable even if denied.
No. Only Canadian employers can apply for LMIA. As a worker, you cannot initiate the process yourself. You need a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer willing to sponsor you.
A positive LMIA assessment letter is typically valid for 6 months. You must apply for your work permit within this period. If it expires, the employer must reapply, which costs another $1,000.
The work permit is tied to the employer specified in the LMIA application. If you want to change employers, you need a new job offer and a new LMIA (costing another $1,000).
High-wage LMIA: Salary at or above prevailing wage, 200 CRS points, 4-6 week processing. Low-wage LMIA: Salary below prevailing wage, 50 CRS points, 8-12 week processing, requires transition plan.
With a positive high-wage LMIA, you receive 200 CRS points, which typically boosts your score above 500. In the next Express Entry draw, you receive an ITA for PR.
If denied, you lose the $1,000 fee. Your employer can appeal (optional) or reapply with updated recruitment evidence. Many denials can be overturned with better documentation.
No, but it's highly recommended. You can stay and work in Canada indefinitely on work permits, but PR offers more benefits (healthcare, social benefits, ability to sponsor family, no employer dependency).
No. LMIA is not guaranteed. Even with strong recruitment efforts and justified salary, ESDC may deny the application if they determine it will negatively impact Canadian workers.
Our immigration specialists can help you connect with Canadian employers willing to sponsor LMIA applications and navigate the entire work permit to PR pathway.
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