What is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA (also called a “confirmation letter”) indicates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
1. Determine the Appropriate LMIA Stream
There are different LMIA streams depending on the job position and wage level:
- High-Wage Positions
- Low-Wage Positions
- Agricultural Workers
- Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAWP)
- Caregivers
- Global Talent Stream
- Permanent Residence Stream
Choose the stream that matches your job offer and follow the corresponding requirements.
2. Offer a Genuine Job
Ensure your job offer is:
- Full-time and non-seasonal (for most streams)
- Aligned with the wage and occupation duties listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system
You must also be able to demonstrate that your business is legitimate and actively engaged in the business related to the job offer.
3. Meet Advertisement and Recruitment Requirements
In most LMIA streams, employers must:
- Advertise the job for at least four consecutive weeks in the past 3 months
- Post in three different recruitment platforms, one of which must be the Job Bank
- Keep detailed records of where, when, and how the job was advertised
- Clearly explain why Canadian applicants were not hired (if applicable)
Some streams, such as the Global Talent Stream, have modified or exempt recruitment requirements.
4. Pay the Required Application Fee
Most LMIA applications require a processing fee of $1,000 CAD per position.
5. Submit a Complete Application
Your application should include:
- The Job Offer Letter or Employment Contract
- Proof of business legitimacy (e.g., tax documents, business license)
- Proof of recruitment efforts
- Attestations and declarations as required
Use the most current forms and follow the document checklist provided by ESDC.
6. Understand Wage Requirements
Wages must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation and region. ESDC uses wages to determine whether a job is classified as high-wage or low-wage, which affects other requirements such as the Transition Plan (mandatory for high-wage roles).
7. Demonstrate Transition Efforts (if required)
For high-wage positions, employers must outline how they are helping Canadians and permanent residents access these jobs in the future. This includes:
- Training Canadian staff
- Investing in skills development
- Creating pathways to permanent residence for foreign workers
8. Prepare for an Employer Compliance Review
ESDC may request additional information or conduct site visits. Be ready to show:
- Payroll records
- Worker schedules
- Proof that wages and working conditions match the job offer
9. Respond Promptly to Requests
Once submitted, ESDC may contact you for additional details. Prompt, accurate responses can prevent delays or refusals.
Consider professional help: If your case is complex, a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can guide you.
