LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

1) Overview (how LMIA works)

LMIA is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It is used to assess whether an employer can hire a foreign worker when no Canadians/permanent residents are available for the job. In many cases, a positive LMIA supports an employer-specific work permit.

Employer side (ESDC/Service Canada)

Employer recruits and prepares documents
Employer submits LMIA through the LMIA Online Portal
Employer pays applicable processing fees (where required)
Service Canada assesses labor market factors

Worker side (IRCC)

Employer shares LMIA decision and job details
Worker applies for a work permit (if required)
Worker must meet admissibility and eligibility
Entry to Canada is decided at the border (where applicable)

Official resources (open in new tab)

ESDC – Hire a temporary foreign worker IRCC – What is an LMIA? LMIA Online Portal

For Job Seekers

2) LMIA guidance for job seekers

Ask on WhatsApp

If you’re looking for an LMIA-supported job offer, remember: you do not apply for the LMIA — the employer does. Your role is to find a legitimate employer, provide accurate documents, and apply for the work permit after approval (where required).

What you should do

Focus on employers actively hiring and able to meet program requirements
Keep your resume and work history consistent and verifiable
Ask for written job details (title, wage, duties, location)
Prepare supporting documents early (education, experience, IDs)

Red flags (avoid scams)

“Guaranteed LMIA” promises
Requests for large cash payments for a job
No interview / no real job duties explained
Employer doesn’t exist / can’t verify business

After LMIA approval — what happens next?

Usually, the employer shares the LMIA approval and the job offer details. Then the worker submits the work permit application (if required). Each case differs depending on where you apply from, your status, and admissibility.

IRCC: What is an LMIA? (New Tab)

For Employers

3) LMIA guidance for employers

LMIA Online Portal (New Tab)

Employers typically use LMIA to hire under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Strong LMIA submissions focus on: genuine job offer, recruitment efforts, wages aligned with requirements, and ability to meet employer obligations.

Employer readiness checklist

Legitimate business operations and payroll capability
Clear job duties aligned to the correct NOC
Wage meets stream requirements (high/low wage rules)
Recruitment evidence prepared and organized
Workplace readiness and compliance awareness

What CHK helps with

Strategy: stream selection + wage alignment
Job description + NOC alignment support
Recruitment package review (proof + structure)
LMIA Online submission support
Post-LMIA work permit support (as needed)

Employer portals — quick clarity

LMIA (TFWP) uses ESDC/Service Canada LMIA Online. Separately, the IRCC “Employer Portal” is generally used for LMIA-exempt hires under the International Mobility Program (IMP). We help confirm which route applies before you spend time and money.

ESDC TFWP Overview (New Tab)

4) High-wage vs Low-wage streams (basics)

The TFWP uses wage-based streams (high-wage/low-wage). Requirements can differ by stream and location. Always confirm the latest rules and thresholds before finalizing the offer.

High level differences

Stream depends on wage relative to the applicable threshold
Some obligations differ by stream
Recruitment and compliance expectations apply

TFWP details (New Tab)

Low-wage stream reminders

Processing fee is typically $1,000 per position (where applicable)
Additional employer obligations may apply
Rules can be updated regionally and over time

Low-wage requirements (New Tab)

Important

Wage thresholds and stream rules can change. We confirm the current requirements before submission and align the job offer accordingly.

5) Typical LMIA process (simple flow)

1) Confirm route

Check if LMIA is required and confirm the correct stream for the position.

2) Prepare job + recruitment

Finalize duties, wage, NOC alignment, and collect recruitment evidence (where required).

3) Submit LMIA

Submit through LMIA Online with organized exhibits and accurate information.

4) Decision + work permit

After approval, the worker typically applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit (if required).

How CHK adds value

We reduce back-and-forth by presenting a clean, officer-friendly file: consistent narrative, labeled exhibits, wage alignment, and realistic operational proof.

6) FAQ

No. LMIA is employer-driven. The employer applies to Service Canada/ESDC. The worker may apply for a work permit after a positive LMIA (when applicable).

A positive LMIA generally indicates the employer demonstrated a need to hire a foreign worker and that no Canadian/permanent resident is available for the job, subject to program rules and assessment.

Not exactly. LMIA is typically for TFWP and uses ESDC/Service Canada processes (LMIA Online). The IRCC Employer Portal is usually for LMIA-exempt offers under the International Mobility Program (IMP). We help confirm which route applies.

ESDC TFWP overview (New Tab) LMIA Online portal (New Tab) IRCC: What is an LMIA? (New Tab) Low-wage requirements (New Tab)

Scam warning

Be cautious of “guaranteed LMIA” offers or requests for large cash payments for a job. LMIA is a regulated employer process and must reflect a genuine job need and compliance capacity.