The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the federal opinion from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker for a position no Canadian or PR is available to fill. This guide explains how the LMIA system actually works in 2026.
When an LMIA is required
Any job offer to a foreign worker that is not covered by an International Mobility Program (IMP) LMIA-exemption: standard skilled/semi-skilled offers, primary agriculture, caregivers, and most PR-supporting offers.
When an LMIA is NOT required
Intra-company transfers, CUSMA/CETA/CPTPP professionals, francophone mobility (C16), spousal open work permits, PGWPs, BOWPs.
The LMIA streams
High-Wage Stream
At or above provincial median wage. Requires 4 weeks of recruitment in 3 sources (one is the federal Job Bank) + a Transition Plan.
Low-Wage Stream
Below median wage. Subject to caps (10% per worksite in most sectors). Employer obligations: transportation, housing, private health insurance, WCB registration.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
2-week service standard for high-skilled tech positions on the GTS Occupation List or via Category A referrals.
Primary Agriculture & SAWP
Streamlined LMIAs for on-farm work with bilateral country agreements.
PR-only (Dual-Intent) LMIA
Supports an Express Entry application. Recent policy has removed CRS points for most LMIAs except senior management (Major Group 00).
2024–2026 changes
- Low-wage cap reduced to 10% per worksite
- Refusal to process in CMAs with unemployment ≥ 6%
- LMIA validity often 6 months
- Stricter compliance
- Most job-offer CRS points removed
Recruitment requirements
- 3 advertising methods (one is federal Job Bank)
- 4 weeks within 3 months before applying
- Targeted outreach to under-represented groups
- Documented review of every Canadian/PR applicant
Inadequate recruitment is the #1 refusal reason.
Employer obligations after approval
- Pay the wage and provide conditions described
- Maintain records for 6 years
- Cooperate with ESDC inspections
- For low-wage workers: transport, housing, insurance, WCB
Processing times
- GTS: 2 weeks
- High-wage: 30–60 business days
- Low-wage: often 6+ months
- PR-only: variable
Cost
CAD 1,000 processing fee per position (waived for some PR-only and caregiver streams).
Common refusal reasons
- Inadequate recruitment
- Wage below prevailing median
- NOC TEER misclassification
- Cap exceeded
- Non-genuine job offer
- Past compliance issues
Next step
CAN-MIGRATE's free assessment identifies which LMIA stream fits — or whether an LMIA-exempt path is faster.