Overview
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a decision by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) about the impact of hiring a temporary foreign worker. Many employer-specific work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) require a positive LMIA before IRCC issues the permit.
An LMIA is not a visa or work permit. It is supporting evidence for the worker’s IRCC application.
Common situations
Canadian employer cannot fill a role locally
The employer may pursue an LMIA (subject to stream rules, recruitment requirements, and wages). After a positive LMIA, the foreign national applies for the work permit.
You already have a job offer and “LMIA number”
Confirm it is a positive LMIA that matches the job, employer, and your identity details. Mismatches between the LMIA and the work permit forms are a common problem.
Job might be LMIA-exempt
Do not force an LMIA path if an International Mobility Program exemption applies—and do not skip an LMIA when one is required. See LMIA-Exempt Work Permits.
Changing employers
A new employer usually needs its own LMIA (or exemption) and you usually need a new work permit before starting.
Employer vs worker roles
| Step | Typical owner |
|---|---|
| Choose TFWP stream / meet recruitment rules | Employer |
| Apply for LMIA and pay ESDC fees | Employer |
| Share positive LMIA / file number and job documents | Employer → worker |
| Apply for work permit and pay IRCC fee | Worker |
| Biometrics / medicals if required | Worker |
What workers usually submit (LMIA path)
IRCC’s document guidance for LMIA-required permits commonly includes:
- a copy of the positive LMIA and LMIA file number
- a job offer letter
- an employment contract
- a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) when required for paid work in Quebec
Plus standard identity forms, photos, and any medical/police/biometrics requirements for your situation.
Fees
- Worker (IRCC): work permit processing currently listed at $CAN 155 (confirm live).
- Employer (ESDC): LMIA processing fees—confirm on ESDC’s Temporary Foreign Worker pages (amounts vary by stream and can change).
- Employer compliance fee ($CAN 230): generally for many LMIA-exempt Employer Portal offers, not the typical TFWP/LMIA path (per IRCC Help Centre fee guidance).
LMIA vs LMIA-exempt
| LMIA (TFWP) | LMIA-exempt (IMP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour market test | Yes (ESDC LMIA) | No LMIA; exemption code applies |
| Employer fee type | ESDC LMIA fees | Often IRCC compliance fee |
| Worker permit | Still employer-specific in most cases | Still often employer-specific |
When to get help
Seek advice if recruitment/LMIA history is complex, wages or NOC coding look inconsistent, Quebec rules apply, or you must bridge from another status without a work gap.
Tamara can help clarify the worker-side work permit steps once the LMIA path is confirmed.
Related guides
- LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
- Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Work Permit From Outside Canada
- Work Permit Document Checklist
This guide summarizes official IRCC and ESDC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Confirmed the job is LMIA-required (not LMIA-exempt)
- Employer obtained a positive LMIA and shared the file number
- Job offer / contract matches LMIA occupation and wages
- Prepared worker identity and application forms
- Checked medical, police, and biometrics requirements
- Confirmed IRCC work permit fee (and ESDC LMIA fees for the employer)
Frequently asked questions
- Is an LMIA a work permit?
- No. An LMIA is an ESDC assessment used to support many employer-specific work permit applications. You still need IRCC to approve the work permit.
- Who pays for the LMIA?
- Employers generally pay ESDC’s LMIA processing fees. Workers pay IRCC’s work permit fee. Confirm current amounts on official fee pages.
- Do LMIA workers also pay the employer compliance fee?
- IRCC Help Centre guidance says employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA path) do not pay the IRCC employer compliance fee used for many LMIA-exempt offers.
- Can I start work with only a positive LMIA?
- No. You need a valid work permit (or another IRCC authorization) before you start work, unless a specific rule allows otherwise.
- What if my job is LMIA-exempt?
- Use the International Mobility Program / LMIA-exempt pathway instead. See our LMIA-exempt guide.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC and ESDC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
- Hire a temporary foreign worker through the TFWP
- Get a work permit
- Which work permit fees do I have to pay? (Help Centre 1306)
- Work permit documents (inside Canada)
- Citizenship and immigration fees
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.