Does your job qualify for an LMIA work permit?
An LMIA is the most common employer-driven route into a Canadian work permit. The stream you qualify for — high-wage, low-wage, Global Talent or a sector pilot — depends on the wage, the occupation and the region.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is Service Canada's confirmation that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA is what unlocks most employer-specific work permits. Getting one approved is a process of evidence — wage, advertising, recruitment, and genuineness of the offer.
Need an LMIA? See if your role fits — in 2 minutes.
Answer a few short questions to get an informational overview. This is not legal advice and does not confirm eligibility — it's a starting point for a consultation with a licensed RCIC.
Informational tool only. Not legal advice and not a determination of eligibility. For a professional review, book a consultation with a licensed RCIC.
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Pathways you may qualify for
Wages at or above the provincial median wage. Cleaner advertising requirements and standard 24-month validity.
Wages below the provincial median. Stricter caps, transportation, housing and health-insurance obligations on the employer.
Specific tech occupations and innovative companies — 10-business-day service standard when eligible.
Primary agriculture employers and Caribbean/Mexico seasonal worker agreements.
Supports an Express Entry profile — adds significant CRS points and supports a work permit at the same time.
Mistakes that close doors
- Wrong wage classification is the #1 LMIA refusal cause — wages must match Job Bank for the NOC and region.
- Inadequate advertising and recruitment evidence triggers refusals, especially in the low-wage stream.
- A positive LMIA does not guarantee the work permit — IRCC still reviews the worker's admissibility.
- Switching employers on a closed permit requires a new LMIA — not just a new permit application.
Alternative routes worth reviewing
- LMIA-exempt categories — CUSMA professional, intra-company transfer, IMP, francophone mobility.
- PNP Skilled Worker streams that include an employer support letter (often faster than LMIA).
- International Experience Canada (IEC) for eligible nationalities — no employer LMIA needed.
When to talk to a licensed RCIC
- Before posting the job ad — advertising compliance is the single most fixable refusal cause.
- When deciding between high-wage and low-wage streams (wage thresholds change quarterly).
- If the employer has received a previous LMIA refusal or compliance issue.
- Where the goal is PR — the LMIA should be structured to support Express Entry from day one.
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Common questions
How long does an LMIA take?+
Standard processing is 2-4 months. The Global Talent Stream has a 10-business-day service standard for eligible occupations.
How much does an LMIA cost?+
The Service Canada processing fee is CAD $1,000 per position. The employer pays this fee — it cannot be passed to the worker.
Can the worker pay the LMIA fee?+
No. The employer must pay both the LMIA fee and (in low-wage stream) any required transportation and accommodation costs.
How long is a positive LMIA valid?+
Generally 6 months from issuance. The work permit must be applied for within this window.
Does a positive LMIA add CRS points in Express Entry?+
As of recent IRCC policy updates, the long-standing job-offer LMIA CRS bonus has been removed for many cases. Check current policy or speak with an RCIC — this changes.
Can I switch employers after an LMIA work permit?+
Not without a new LMIA and a new work permit. Working for a different employer is unauthorized work.
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Disclaimer: Information only, not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Paid Canadian immigration advice or representation is provided only by authorized representatives (CICC-licensed RCIC or a member in good standing of a Canadian provincial law society).
Quick answer
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA, is a decision issued by Employment and Social Development Canada confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. A positive assessment allows the employer to support a work permit application. The employer applies, pays the processing fee, and must normally advertise the position to Canadians first.
Quick summary
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an employer-driven decision, not a worker application. The employer must show genuine recruitment efforts, wages at or above the prevailing regional rate, and a real job offer. Once positive, the worker applies for an employer-specific work permit. Processing time depends on the stream, with high-wage, low-wage and Global Talent streams handled differently. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt under international agreements or intra-company transfer provisions, and exemptions should be checked before applying.
Key takeaways
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada, not by IRCC.
- The employer applies for the assessment; the worker applies for the work permit afterwards.
- Employers must normally advertise the position to Canadians and permanent residents before applying.
- Wages must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the occupation and region.
- A positive assessment supports an employer-specific work permit.
- Some work permits are exempt from the assessment requirement under international agreements.
- A positive assessment can add points to a Comprehensive Ranking System score where the job offer qualifies.
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays for a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
- The employer pays the processing fee and may not recover it from the worker. Recovering the fee from a worker breaches program conditions.
- How long does a Labour Market Impact Assessment take?
- Processing depends on the stream and the current service standard published by Employment and Social Development Canada, and varies between expedited and standard streams.
- Can I work while an assessment is pending?
- No. Work is authorised only once a work permit is issued, unless the worker already holds valid authorisation for that employment.
Key terms explained
- Employer-specific work permit
- A permit tied to one employer, job and location. Changing employers requires a new permit or an authorised change of conditions.
- Prevailing wage
- The median wage for the occupation and region that an employer must meet or exceed to obtain a positive LMIA.
Continue with LMIA
- Work permit expiryTiming an LMIA-based permit around your current expiry.
- Closed work permitWhat an employer-specific permit does and does not allow.
- Open work permitRoutes that avoid the LMIA process entirely.
- Express EntryHow an LMIA-supported offer affects your CRS score.
- Book a consultationReview employer eligibility and recruitment requirements.
Your next step
Last reviewed on August 3, 2026 by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN-MIGRATE.
Official reference: Canada.ca — Hire a temporary foreign worker (LMIA)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules change — confirm details with IRCC or book a consultation before you apply.
Requirements marked as official reflect published IRCC guidance. Recommendations reflect our RCIC team's professional judgement. Explanations are editorial context and are not legal advice.
We re-review this page when:
- IRCC changes program requirements
- Processing times change significantly
- A new immigration stream is announced