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LMIA Canada for Employers and Foreign Workers

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often the employer-side step required before a foreign worker can apply for an employer-specific work permit. The correct stream, wage, recruitment strategy and business documents matter. Argus can help employers and workers understand how the LMIA and work permit stages fit together.

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Overview

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an assessment completed by Employment and Social Development Canada / Service Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It considers the effect that hiring a temporary foreign worker would have on Canada's labour market.

A positive LMIA generally confirms that the employer demonstrated a need for a temporary foreign worker under the applicable program requirements. The worker then normally uses the positive LMIA to support a work permit application.

When it is required

Does an employer need an LMIA?

Most employers need an LMIA before hiring a temporary foreign worker for an employer-specific work permit unless an LMIA exemption applies.

The first step is therefore not to start advertising blindly. It is to determine whether the proposed job falls under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or whether the worker may qualify through the International Mobility Program or another authorization.

Program requirements

LMIA stream, wage and recruitment requirements

High-wage or low-wage stream

The offered wage is compared with the applicable provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold to determine whether the high-wage or low-wage rules apply. These thresholds are updated periodically.

Prevailing wage

The offered wage must also meet the applicable prevailing-wage rules for the occupation and work location.

Recruitment

Employers generally need to demonstrate reasonable efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents before applying. The exact advertising period and methods depend on the LMIA stream and current program requirements.

Business legitimacy

Employers must provide evidence showing that the business and job offer are legitimate and that the employer can meet its obligations.

Application process

How the LMIA process works

  1. Confirm whether an LMIA is required.
  2. Select the correct LMIA stream. Wage level, occupation and purpose affect the stream.
  3. Confirm the wage and program requirements.
  4. Complete the required recruitment and advertising.
  5. Prepare business-legitimacy and job-offer documentation.
  6. Submit the LMIA application through LMIA Online where applicable.
  7. Respond to Service Canada during assessment.
  8. If the LMIA is positive, provide the required documents to the worker.
  9. The worker submits the work permit application.
Documents

Documents commonly involved in an LMIA application

  • business registration or licence information;
  • CRA and other business-legitimacy documents;
  • job description and NOC information;
  • wage and working-condition details;
  • advertising and recruitment records;
  • results of recruitment efforts;
  • transition plan where required for a high-wage position;
  • employment-related documents; and
  • other stream-specific forms or supporting records.

Employers must retain recruitment documentation for the period required by the program.

Fees and validity

LMIA fees, processing and validity

Processing fees and service standards depend on the LMIA stream and current rules. Some applications are exempt from the processing fee.

Positive LMIAs are generally valid for a limited period for the worker to submit the work permit application. For LMIA applications received on or after May 1, 2024, ESDC states that positive decisions are generally valid for up to 6 months, subject to the program rules and exceptions.

Common issues

Common LMIA application problems

  • choosing the wrong high-wage, low-wage or other LMIA stream;
  • offering a wage that does not meet the prevailing-wage requirement;
  • recruitment that does not meet the required duration, methods or ongoing-advertising rules;
  • weak business-legitimacy evidence;
  • job duties or requirements that do not align with the occupation;
  • low-wage positions affected by refusal-to-process rules or caps;
  • employer compliance history; and
  • assuming that a positive LMIA itself grants the worker the right to work.
Professional support

How Argus can help with LMIA-related immigration cases

Argus can help determine how the proposed job fits within the immigration process, review the relationship between the LMIA and work permit stages, coordinate immigration documentation and assist with the related worker application. The exact employer-side LMIA services offered for a particular matter should be confirmed in the written retainer.

FAQs

LMIA FAQs

What does a positive LMIA mean?

It generally means Service Canada determined that the employer met the applicable program requirements and that hiring the foreign worker would have a neutral or positive labour-market impact under that assessment. The worker still needs the required immigration authorization.

Does every foreign worker need an LMIA?

No. Some workers qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits or open work permits.

How long is a positive LMIA valid?

For many current LMIA decisions, the worker must submit the work permit application within the LMIA validity period, which is generally up to 6 months for decisions covered by the current rule.

Can an employer skip recruitment if they already chose a foreign worker?

Not usually. Recruitment and advertising are core requirements for many LMIA streams unless a specific exemption applies.

Does an LMIA guarantee the worker's work permit?

No. IRCC separately assesses the worker's work permit application and admissibility.

Related services

Related Canadian immigration services

Official information

Current government sources

Immigration rules can change. These pages were reviewed against current official sources on September 23, 2026:

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What clients say about working with Argus.

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“I’m truly grateful to the team at Argus Immigration for guiding us through such an important milestone in our lives. Applying for Canadian PR can feel overwhelming because of the amount of documentation and information involved, but having a knowledgeable and organized team handling the process gave us a lot of confidence. I especially appreciated how proactive they were. Instead of leaving things for the last moment, they planned the process properly and made sure our application was submitted on time. Their thorough approach also helped ensure that our file was prepared carefully and supported with the relevant documents. Today, after receiving our eCOPR, I can honestly say that choosing Argus Immigration was the right decision for us. Thank you to the entire team for your support, patience, and professionalism throughout our journey. Highly recommended to anyone looking for trustworthy immigration guidance! 🇨🇦🍁 Thank you Khusubu and team for everything.”
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2 months ago
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“I am really grateful for the support I received from Argus Immigration and Khusubu during my Francophone Mobility Work Permit process. They guided me through the entire process, explained every step clearly, and helped me prepare the required documents properly. Because of their knowledge and support, I was able to successfully get my work permit extension for 3 years. The process was much smoother and less stressful with their guidance. They were always helpful, patient, and available whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their hard work and dedication.”
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Abdullah Shariff
Abdullah Shariff
5 months ago
★★★★★
“I had a great experience with Argus Immigration Consultancy. I was in a difficult situation with a last-minute filing, and while several others refused to take my file, they stepped in and genuinely helped me through the process. Their professionalism, quick response, and dedication gave me a lot of confidence during a very stressful time. A special thank you to Khusboo and the team for being supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile when I really needed help. I truly appreciate everything they did for me and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration support.”
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Ejike Basil
Ejike Basil
5 months ago
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“Thank you for helping me get my work permit approved. Working with you was a breath of fresh air. You and your team have been very professional through out this process and I am very grateful for your support thank you.”
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Jenica Dsouza
Jenica Dsouza
7 months ago
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“We applied for our LMIA‑exempt work permit through the non–Express Entry stream, and Argus Immigration made the entire journey incredibly smooth. A very special thank you to Khusbhu, whose kindness, clarity, and constant guidance made all the difference. She explained every step with so much care and made us feel confident throughout the process. Truly grateful for their professionalism and compassion. Highly recommended!”
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“I’m extremely grateful to Argus Immigration for their support throughout my Canadian work permit application. The process involved a long wait, but they were patient, professional, and reassuring every step of the way. I received my work permit today, and I truly appreciate their guidance, attention to detail, and constant follow-ups. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration assistance.”
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Gajraj Saini
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10 months ago
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“I had a great experience working with Khusbu on our daughter’s sponsorship application. Her guidance was clear, professional, and helped us navigate the process with confidence. I truly appreciate her knowledge and support throughout the journey. The only area for improvement would be timely acknowledgement at certain stages. Overall, I am very satisfied and would happily recommend her services. Thank you so much Khusbu and all the best!”
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Preeti Rajliwal
Preeti Rajliwal
1 month ago
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“A big thank you to khusubu and her amazing team for helping us get our work permit approval. Khusubu has excellent immigration knowledge and guided us with professionalism and care throughout the process.we truly appreciate all their support and highly recommend khusubu and her team🙏🏻 …”
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vineet chauhan
vineet chauhan
1 month ago
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“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Khusubu and the entire Argus Immigration team for helping me successfully obtain approval for my 3-year C51 LMIA-exempt work permit extension. My case became very challenging after my initial application was refused and I found myself in the 90-day restoration period. At that point, it felt like my future in Canada was uncertain. Khusubu worked diligently on my case, guided me through every step of the process, carefully reviewed the documentation, and provided clear and timely advice whenever I needed it. What impressed me most was not only her professional knowledge but also her compassion and understanding. She and the Argus team were considerate of the emotional and financial stress my family was experiencing and supported us throughout the journey with patience and care. Today, receiving the approval feels like a sinking boat finally reaching the shore safely. When things seemed uncertain, Khusubu and the Argus team never gave up and continued working hard to help achieve a positive outcome. Thank you, Khusubu, and thank you to everyone at Argus Immigration for your dedication, professionalism, and genuine support. I highly recommend Argus Immigration to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate immigration assistance. Your efforts have made a meaningful difference in my family’s life, and we will always be grateful.”
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