Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.
The LMIA process ensures that hiring foreign workers will have a positive or neutral impact on Canada's labour market. Employers must demonstrate their recruitment efforts and justify why they need to hire a foreign worker.
LMIA Quick Facts
- Processing time: 2-6 months (regular stream)
- Application fee: CAD $1,000 per position
- Global Talent Stream: 10 business days
- Valid for specific employer and position
Types of LMIA
Requirements:
- Recruitment efforts for 4 weeks
- Transition plan for hiring Canadians
- Higher application fee
Requirements:
- Recruitment efforts for 4 weeks
- Cap on temporary foreign workers
- Workplace safety measures
Requirements:
- Designated partner referral or Category A/B occupation
- Labour Market Benefits Plan
Benefits for Employers
Employer Requirements
- Demonstrate genuine need for foreign worker
- Prove no Canadian worker is available
- Offer wages equal to or higher than prevailing wage
- Provide working conditions that meet standards
- Show positive or neutral impact on Canadian labour market
- Meet advertising and recruitment requirements
Recruitment Requirements
- Job Bank posting for at least 4 weeks
- Two additional recruitment methods
- Advertise in official languages where applicable
- Consider underrepresented groups
- Provide reasons for not hiring Canadian applicants
- Keep detailed records of recruitment efforts
LMIA Exemptions
Some work permits don't require an LMIA under specific programs and international agreements.
Median Wages per Province
Wage thresholds that determine whether an LMIA application falls under high-wage or low-wage stream.
| Province/Territory | For LMIAs received before June 27, 2025 | For LMIAs received as of June 27, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $35.40 | $36.00 |
| British Columbia | $34.62 | $36.60 |
| Manitoba | $30.00 | $30.16 |
| New Brunswick | $28.85 | $30.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.20 | $32.40 |
| Northwest Territories | $47.09 | $48.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.50 | $30.00 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Ontario | $34.07 | $36.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $28.80 | $30.00 |
| Quebec | $32.96 | $34.62 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.40 | $33.50 |
| Yukon | $43.20 | $44.40 |
Source: Wage rates as per Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, 2023 to 2024, including a 20% wage increase, based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021
Important Information
- • LMIA is employer-specific and cannot be transferred to another employer
- • Positive LMIA doesn't guarantee work permit approval
- • Employers must comply with all conditions stated in the LMIA
- • LMIA applications can be refused if requirements are not met
- • Processing times vary by stream and may be longer during peak periods
- • LMIA low-wage stream suspended in CMAs with unemployment over 6%, impacting 24 areas like Toronto, Calgary, and Montréal
Need Help with Your LMIA Application?
Our experienced team can guide employers through the complex LMIA process and help ensure your application meets all requirements for approval.