Helping Canadian employers hire foreign workers legally by assessing labour needs and meeting federal employment and immigration requirements.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Immisa Immigration
What is Labour Market Impact Assessment
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document required by Canadian employers who wish to hire foreign workers. It serves as proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job position because no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to do so. An LMIA helps maintain balance in the labor market by ensuring that foreign hires do not negatively affect job opportunities for Canadians.
At Immisa Immigration, we assist employers with LMIA applications through careful eligibility assessment, accurate submissions, and compliant hiring processes to support the lawful employment of foreign workers in Canada.
Types of LMIA Applications
High-Wage LMIA
A High-Wage LMIA applies when the offered wage meets or exceeds the provincial median wage. Employers must provide a transition plan showing efforts to hire and train Canadians.
Low-Wage LMIA
A Low-Wage LMIA applies when wages are below the provincial median. Employers must meet strict limits and demonstrate genuine efforts to hire Canadian workers.
Global Talent Stream LMIA
The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track LMIA for highly skilled workers in tech and innovation sectors, with expedited processing and specialized talent eligibility.
Agricultural and Caregiver LMIA
This LMIA allows employers to hire foreign workers in agriculture or caregiving roles, including farm workers, seasonal labor, and in-home caregivers.
Who Can Apply For LMIA
Canadian Employers
Employers in Canada who need to hire a foreign worker for a genuine job position may apply for an LMIA to demonstrate that no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available.
Employers With Labour Shortages
Businesses facing labour shortages in specific occupations or regions may apply to show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
Employers Offering Valid Job Terms
To qualify, employers must provide proper wages, working conditions, and meet program requirements related to recruitment, compliance, and business legitimacy.
Step-by-Step LMIA Process
1
Job & Employer Eligibility Review
The employer’s business, job position, and wage level are reviewed to confirm they meet LMIA program requirements.
Recruitment & Advertising
Employers must advertise the position and attempt to hire Canadians or permanent residents before requesting permission to hire a foreign worker.
2
3
LMIA Application Submission
The LMIA application, recruitment records, and supporting documents are submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada for assessment.
Government Review
The government reviews whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative impact on the Canadian labour market.
4
5
Decision & Work Permit Use
If approved, the LMIA is issued and the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit or extend their stay in Canada.
WHY CHOOSE IMMISA For LMIA ?
Employer Eligibility Review
We review the business, job role, and wage requirements to ensure the LMIA application meets government rules before submission.
Recruitment & Compliance Support
We help employers follow advertising and recruitment requirements so applications meet program standards and avoid refusals.
Accurate and Consistent Submissions
LMIA forms and supporting documents are prepared carefully to reflect the job offer and business information correctly.
Strategic LMIA Case Structuring
We prepare LMIA applications with proper employer documentation, recruitment proof, and compliance alignment to support approval.
Our Approach
Employer and Job Assessment
We assess employer eligibility, business legitimacy, and job genuineness to ensure compliance with LMIA requirements.
Recruitment and Documentation Alignment
We ensure recruitment efforts, job terms, and employer records meet government requirements and support application approval.
Long-Term Immigration Strategy
We align LMIA applications with work permit and permanent residence pathways to support long-term immigration goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
An LMIA is a government decision that confirms whether a Canadian employer is allowed to hire a foreign worker because no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available for the job.
Who applies for an LMIA?
The Canadian employer applies for the LMIA, not the foreign worker.
Does a positive LMIA guarantee a work permit?
No. A positive LMIA allows the foreign worker to apply for a work permit, but the worker must still meet immigration and admissibility requirements.
Do employers have to advertise the job before applying?
Yes. Employers must make genuine efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents before requesting permission to hire a foreign worker.
What does the government review in an LMIA application?
The government reviews the job offer, wage, recruitment efforts, business legitimacy, and whether hiring a foreign worker will negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
Can an LMIA be refused?
Yes. An LMIA can be refused if recruitment requirements are not met, the job does not meet wage standards, or the employer does not meet program conditions.
Do employers have ongoing obligations after approval?
Yes. Employers must continue to follow wage, job, and compliance requirements after the foreign worker is hired.
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