Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Connecting Canadian Employers with Global Talent

RAJBIR KAUR

I am deeply grateful to Mr. Varinder and his whole team for approval of spouse visa. He displayed …..

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that an employer in Canada may need before hiring a foreign worker. It confirms whether there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do it.

Purpose of LMIA

Jay Patel

I was quite pleased with my interaction with Westland Immigration Visa Service. A delightful ….

  • Protects the Canadian labour market.

  • Ensures priority is given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents for available jobs.

  • Regulates the hiring of temporary foreign workers.

Darsh Patel

Good Service. Very professional and helpful. Highly recommended.

LMIA Streams:

1. High Wage Stream – LMIA for Temporary Foreign Workers

When an employer provides a wage equal to or higher than the median wage for their province or territory, the LMIA application must be submitted under the High-Wage Stream of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

As an employer, you must meet the following conditions to apply under this stream:

  • Submit completed High-Wage Stream application forms and documents.

  • Show genuine recruitment efforts for Canadians/permanent residents.

  • Pay the mandatory LMIA processing fee.

  • Provide proof of active, legitimate, and financially stable business.

2. Low-Wage Stream – LMIA for Temporary Foreign Workers:

For positions below the provincial median wage, employers must apply under the Low-Wage Stream.

As an employer, you must meet the following conditions to apply under this stream:

  • Complete High Wage Stream application forms

  • Recruitment Efforts in hiring local Canadians

  • Required Processing Fee

  • Business Legitimacy Documents

3. Global Talent Stream (GTS)

LMIA for Highly Skilled Workers

The GTS allows employers to hire highly skilled or uniquely talented workers in select ICT or STEM occupations to support business growth and expansion.

Eligibility:

  • Category A: For employers referred by a designated GTS partner to hire workers with unique and specialized skills.
  • Category B: For employers hiring highly skilled temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in occupations listed on the Global Talent Occupation List. No referral is needed for this category.

Employer Requirements:

Employers must comply with all GTS program rules and adhere to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and associated regulations when hiring TFWs.

4. Agriculture Stream – LMIA for On-Farm Workers

The Agriculture Stream allows employers to hire foreign workers for primary agriculture roles. It includes four sub-streams:

  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): For seasonal work (up to 8 months) by workers from Mexico and 11 Caribbean countries. The commodity must be on the National Commodities List (NCL), and wages follow the NCL rate.
  • Agriculture: Open to workers from all countries for seasonal or year-round work. Same NCL requirements as SAWP.
  • Low Wage: Open to all countries for seasonal or year-round work. Commodities are not on the NCL, and wages are below the Job Bank median.
  • High Wage: Open to all countries for seasonal or year-round work. Commodities are not on the NCL, and wages are above the Job Bank median.

5. Caregiver LMIA – Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP helps employers fill short-term labor shortages when no Canadians or permanent residents are available. Families can hire foreign caregivers to provide care for children, seniors, or individuals with certified medical needs in a private residence.

Caregiver Requirements:

  • Provide full-time care (minimum 30 hours per week).

  • Work in the private household where care is required.

  • Meet all requirements set by ESDC/Service Canada and IRCC.

Employer Responsibilities:

  • Comply with TFWP rules, including High-Wage or Low-Wage Stream requirements.

  • Pay the prevailing wage for the occupation in the work location.

  • Conduct required recruitment and advertisement efforts for the position.

Employers outside Quebec can submit an Unnamed LMIA to ESDC before selecting a specific worker, as the LMIA is tied to the position, not the individual.

Process:

  • Once the foreign worker is identified, the employer must submit a “Request to Add or Remove a Name on an LMIA” form to ESDC.

  • ESDC/Service Canada will add the worker’s name and issue a new positive LMIA letter within 5–10 business days.

  • The updated LMIA keeps the same expiry date as the original unnamed LMIA.

Note:

Unnamed LMIA is not available for all program streams and may not be offered in every province or territory.

RAJBIR KAUR

I am deeply grateful to Mr. Varinder and his whole team for approval of spouse visa. He displayed a high level of knowledge, professionalism, responsiveness, and thoroughness.

Jay Patel

I was quite pleased with my interaction with Westland Immigration Visa Service. A delightful experience for my sister and her family, who have work permits and study permits for their kids.

Darsh Patel

Good Service. Very professional and helpful. Highly recommended.

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Book a FREE assessment in-person or online. Our consultants will review your situation, estimate costs, and recommend the best path to meet your goals.

⭐ Document Preparation ️️

⭐ Due Diligence

⭐ Personalized Consultation

Book a FREE assessment in-person or online. Our consultants will review your situation, estimate costs, and recommend the best path to meet your goals.

⭐ Document Preparation ️️

⭐ Due Diligence

⭐ Personalized Consultation