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LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

An LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that a Canadian employer usually needs before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows there is a need for the worker and no Canadian or permanent resident is available.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

How it works

The employer advertises the job, pays at least the prevailing wage, and applies to ESDC with a fee of CAD $1,000 per position (as of September 2026). The worker then uses the positive LMIA to apply for an employer-specific work permit.

Jobs paying below the provincial or territorial median wage plus 20% are "low-wage" and face extra limits. For July 10 to October 8, 2026, ESDC refuses low-wage LMIAs in 26 of 41 census metropolitan areas. See low-wage LMIA refusal areas.

Many permits are LMIA-exempt, such as CUSMA professionals, intra-company transfers, and IEC. See our LMIA work permit page and the employer LMIA guide.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the LMIA?

The employer. It cannot recover the fee from the worker.

Does an LMIA add CRS points?

Not since March 25, 2025, when job offer points were removed.

Is buying an LMIA legal?

No. Paying for an LMIA or a job offer is illegal and a common scam.

Official sources

  1. ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign workercanada.ca
  2. ESDC: Low-wage LMIA refusal listcanada.ca

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.