LMIA Process: What Employers Need to Know Before Hiring a Foreign Worker
Hiring foreign talent can be a powerful solution for Canadian employers struggling with labour shortages. However, before you can hire most foreign workers, you may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a crucial step in Canada's temporary foreign worker process.
If you're new to this, or if you want to understand the 2025 updates, here's a clear guide to help you navigate the LMIA process.
An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact hiring a foreign worker would have on the Canadian labour market.
Shows that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
Means the position should be filled by a Canadian or PR.
LMIA Categories
Employers must apply under the correct LMIA stream, each with its own rules:
High-Wage Positions
For jobs paying at or above the provincial median wage. Requires a Transition Plan.
Low-Wage Positions
For jobs paying below the median wage. Employers may face a cap on the number of low-wage foreign workers.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
For approved countries with bilateral agreements (e.g. Mexico, Caribbean nations).
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
For tech and innovation employers seeking faster processing (as fast as 10 business days).
Caregiver Positions
For in-home caregivers, typically supporting children, seniors, or people with medical needs.
Before applying for an LMIA, employers must:
- Recruit Canadians and PRs for at least 4 weeks using accepted methods.
- Pay fair wages based on the Job Bank median wage for the occupation and region.
- Provide working conditions consistent with labour laws.
- Cover transportation costs (especially for low-wage, agricultural, or remote workers).
- Pay the $1,000 LMIA processing fee per position (some categories exempt).
Documents Typically Required
- • Business license or registration
- • Most recent CRA T4 Summary or financial statements
- • Proof of recruitment efforts (job postings, interview summaries)
- • Transition Plan (for high-wage positions)
- • Employment contract for the foreign worker
- • Job description and NOC classification
- • Housing details (for agricultural or caregiver workers)
- • Attestation letter (special template required as of 2025)
Note: Delays are common if documentation is missing or the employer is non-compliant.
After LMIA Approval
Once the LMIA is approved:
- 1The employer provides the LMIA approval letter and job offer letter to the foreign worker.
- 2The worker applies for a work permit using these documents.
- 3Employers may be subject to future inspections and compliance reviews.
- ESDC has increased employer compliance checks.
- New online portal for LMIA submissions is now mandatory in most cases.
- Service Canada has updated attestation templates for financial institutions.
- Processing caps and occupation-specific restrictions may apply for low-wage roles in certain provinces.
LMIA applications are high-stakes and document-intensive. A single error or missing form can cause delays or rejection. At Laurier Immigration, we support employers by:
- • Evaluating the correct LMIA stream for your position
- • Managing all recruitment and documentation steps
- • Drafting and reviewing job offers and contracts
- • Ensuring full compliance with ESDC rules
- • Assisting with post-LMIA work permit applications
Ready to Hire Foreign Talent?
Whether you're hiring a farm worker, tech specialist, caregiver, or construction professional, our team is ready to guide you through the LMIA process from start to finish.
Laurier Immigration — Your trusted partner in Canada's immigration and recruitment journey.