Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Labour Market Impact Assessment

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as proof 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.
Canadian employers who wish to hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) usually need an LMIA. Some foreign workers, such as those hired under the International Mobility Program (IMP), may be exempt from needing an LMIA.
Employers must submit an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The application must include details about the job offer, recruitment efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents, and the impact on the labor market.
Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents and that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker. They must also show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
Processing times for LMIA applications vary depending on the type of job and the location of the employer. On average, it can take several weeks to a few months for an LMIA to be processed.
Yes, there is a processing fee for LMIA applications, which is typically CAD 1,000 per position. Some types of applications may have different fees.
No, an LMIA is specific to one position and one foreign worker. Employers must apply for separate LMIAs for each position they wish to fill with a foreign worker.
If an LMIA application is refused, the employer will not be able to hire the foreign worker for that position. The employer can address the reasons for refusal and submit a new application if desired.
Certain foreign workers are exempt from needing an LMIA under the International Mobility Program (IMP). This includes workers under international agreements (e.g., CUSMA), intra-company transferees, and individuals in certain other categories.
An LMIA ensures that the hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact Canadian workers. It helps maintain fair wages and working conditions and ensures that employers make genuine efforts to hire Canadians before turning to foreign workers.