LMIA-Based Work Permit

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document a Canadian employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian labour market. A positive (or neutral) LMIA confirms no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the role. It is the foundation of the employer-driven stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The employer carries most of the burden: they must advertise the position for the required period, meet recruitment and wage rules, pay the prevailing wage for the occupation and region, and submit the LMIA application with a CAD $1,000 fee (which cannot be passed to the worker). Only after a positive LMIA is issued can you, the worker, apply for the work permit tied to that specific employer and job.

LMIA applications fall into streams with different rules. The high-wage stream applies when the offered wage is at or above the provincial median and requires a transition plan to reduce reliance on foreign workers. The low-wage stream sits below that median and is subject to caps on the share of low-wage foreign workers an employer can hire, plus housing and transportation conditions. The Global Talent Stream is the fastest route, offering two-week processing for eligible high-demand tech and specialised occupations, ideal for software developers, engineers and other in-demand talent. There are also streams for agriculture and caregivers. Knowing which stream fits your job offer helps set realistic expectations for processing time, documentation and wage requirements.

The process has two stages. First, the employer applies for and receives a positive LMIA. Then you apply for the work permit, either online before arriving, at a port of entry if you are visa-exempt, or through a visa office abroad. You will need the LMIA number, a copy of the LMIA and the job offer letter, proof you meet the job's requirements (education, experience, licensing), a valid passport, and possibly biometrics and a medical exam. The resulting permit is usually employer-specific (closed), meaning you can only work for that employer in that role. If you later change jobs you generally need a new LMIA and permit, although you can apply to change employers while the new application is processed. Keep your permit conditions in mind, because working outside them can affect future applications.

For the worker, the work-permit fee is CAD $155, plus an extra CAD $100 open-work-permit-holder fee where applicable and CAD $85 for biometrics. The CAD $1,000 LMIA fee is the employer's responsibility. Combined LMIA and work-permit processing commonly takes two to five months, though the Global Talent Stream is far faster.

The biggest advantage is that a valid LMIA-backed skilled job offer awards 50 or 200 additional CRS points in Express Entry, dramatically improving your chances of an invitation for permanent residence. Many temporary foreign workers use the Canadian work experience they gain to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program, turning a temporary permit into a durable route to PR.

Planning around the real numbers makes the LMIA-Based Work Permit far less stressful. On cost, Work-permit fee CAD $155 (+ $100 open-permit holder where applicable); LMIA fee of CAD $1,000 is employer-paid. On timing, LMIA plus work-permit processing commonly 2 to 5 months. Budget a little extra for document translation, certified or notarised copies, any required medical examination, photos to specification, and travel to a consulate or biometrics appointment. These smaller costs add up and are easy to overlook. Start gathering your documents early. A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer showing no Canadian worker is available, plus a valid job offer and proof you meet the role requirements. Beyond those specifics, almost every applicant needs a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, recent photographs, and proof of funds or income. Where papers are issued in another language, official translations and sometimes an apostille or legalisation are expected, so confirm the exact format before booking your appointment.

Because this is an employer-driven route, the biggest factor in a smooth outcome is a well-prepared sponsor. Make sure your employer's registration and filings are current, that your job title and salary match every supporting document, and that your qualifications clearly map to the role. Most delays come from inconsistent paperwork, a name spelled differently across files, an expired registration, or missing proof of the company's standing. Respond quickly to any request for evidence, keep copies of every submission, and avoid booking flights until the visa is physically issued. If you might change employers later, learn the notification steps in advance so you never work outside the terms of your permit.