Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Hiring Foreign Workers in Canada
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that many Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign national through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker is expected to have a neutral or positive impact on Canada’s labour market and that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
Once a positive LMIA has been issued, the foreign national may then be eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit. However, not every Canadian work permit requires an LMIA. Several work permit categories are exempt under Canada’s International Mobility Program, international agreements, and public policies. Determining whether an LMIA is required should always be the first step before beginning the hiring process
What is an LMIA?
An LMIA is designed to protect Canada’s labour market while allowing employers to address genuine labour shortages when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable.
Before issuing a positive LMIA, Service Canada assesses several factors, including:
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Whether genuine recruitment efforts were made to hire Canadians and permanent residents.
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Whether the wage being offered meets or exceeds the prevailing wage.
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Whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.
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Whether the employer is operating a legitimate business.
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Whether the employer has complied with previous immigration and employment obligations.
A positive LMIA does not authorize a foreign national to work in Canada. It simply allows the employer to support a work permit application.
Who Needs an LMIA?
Most Canadian employers who wish to hire a foreign national through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, not every employer-specific work permit requires an LMIA.
Several work permit categories are exempt under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), including certain international agreements, intra-company transfers, and the Francophone Mobility program.
Determining whether an LMIA is required should always be the first step before preparing an application.
The LMIA Process
Although every case is different, the process generally follows these steps:
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Determine whether an LMIA is required.
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Identify the appropriate LMIA stream.
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Conduct the required recruitment and advertising.
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Prepare the LMIA application.
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Submit the application to Service Canada.
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Respond to any requests for additional information.
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Receive an LMIA decision.
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The foreign worker applies for an employer-specific work permit (if the LMIA is approved).
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The employer continues to meet employer compliance obligations after the worker begins employment.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Every application is assessed individually, refusals often result from issues such as:
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Insufficient recruitment efforts.
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Wage below the prevailing rate.
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Incomplete supporting documentation.
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Concerns regarding business legitimacy.
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Failure to demonstrate a labour shortage.
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Previous employer non-compliance.
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Inconsistent or inaccurate information.
Careful preparation before submission can significantly improve the quality of an application.
How GLG Immigration Can Help
Hiring a foreign worker involves much more than completing forms. Every employer’s circumstances are different, and choosing the correct immigration pathway at the outset can prevent unnecessary delays and expense.
Whether you are hiring your first foreign worker or expanding an existing international workforce, GLG Immigration Consulting Services can assist throughout the LMIA process—from determining whether an LMIA is required to preparing the application and supporting the related work permit process.
Employer Services
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Determine whether an LMIA is required.
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Identify the appropriate LMIA stream.
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Review recruitment and advertising requirements.
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Prepare and submit LMIA applications.
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Assist with responses to Service Canada.
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Advise on employer compliance obligations.
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Support post-approval requirements.
Foreign Worker Services
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Review work permit eligibility.
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Prepare employer-specific work permit applications.
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Assist accompanying spouses and dependent children.
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Advise on maintained status and extensions.
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Develop long-term permanent residence strategies
Need Help Hiring a Foreign Worker?
Whether you are an employer looking to hire international talent or a foreign national who has received a Canadian job offer, we can help determine the appropriate work permit pathway and guide you through every stage of the LMIA and work permit process.
GLG Insight
Many employers assume they need an LMIA simply because they want to hire a foreign worker. Likewise, many foreign workers assume every Canadian work permit requires one. In reality, the first step is determining whether an LMIA is required at all. Properly identifying the appropriate work permit category can save considerable time, expense, and unnecessary applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
An LMIA is an assessment completed by Employment and Social Development Canada to determine whether hiring a foreign worker is likely to have a positive or neutral impact on Canada’s labour market.
Does every employer need an LMIA?
No. Many work permits are exempt from the LMIA requirement under Canada’s International Mobility Program or international agreements.
Does a positive LMIA guarantee a work permit?
No. The foreign worker must still qualify for a work permit and satisfy all applicable immigration requirements.
Can a foreign worker apply for the LMIA?
No. The LMIA application is submitted by the employer.
How long does the LMIA process take?
Processing times vary depending on the stream, completeness of the application, and Service Canada processing volumes.
Can an employer hire a foreign worker before the LMIA is approved?
Generally, no. In most cases, the employer must first receive a positive LMIA before the foreign worker can obtain an employer-specific work permit.
Related Services
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International Mobility Program
Official Government Resources