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LMIA Application

LMIA Application
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The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is an important aspect of the Canadian immigration process for foreign workers who are seeking to work in Canada. The LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) which assesses the impact that a foreign worker's employment will have on the Canadian labour market. Obtaining an LMIA is often a necessary step for employers who wish to hire foreign workers. The approval then allows the potential employee to apply for a work permit on the basis of an approved LMIA. Our experienced team of immigration professionals can help guide you through the LMIA process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience."

LMIA Categories

If you’re an employer looking to hire foreign workers, you may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA is a document that assesses the impact that hiring foreign workers would have on the Canadian labour market. There are two types of LMIA: low wage LMIA and high wage LMIA. The type of LMIA you apply for will depend on the wage you’re offering the foreign worker.

Low Wage LMIA


A Low Wage LMIA is required for foreign workers who will be filling positions that pay less than the median hourly wage for the occupation and region. The median hourly wage for the occupation and region can be found on the Government of Canada's Job Bank website. Low Wage LMIA applications are subject to a number of additional requirements, such as demonstrating that the employer has made a good faith effort to recruit Canadian workers, and that the foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.

High Wage LMIA


A High Wage LMIA is required for foreign workers who will be filling positions that pay more than the median hourly wage for the occupation and region. High Wage LMIA applications are not subject to the additional requirements that apply to Low Wage LMIA applications. However, employers are still required to demonstrate that there is a need for the foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position.

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LMIA FAQ's

A LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that an employer in Canada must obtain from the government in order to hire a foreign worker. LMIA is required to ensure that the foreign worker’s employment in Canada will have a positive impact on the labour market and will not displace Canadian workers.

The processing time for a LMIA varies depending on several factors, such as the type of LMIA, the employer’s location, and the complexity of the application. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks for a LMIA to be processed.

To obtain a LMIA, an employer must show that they have tried to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents for the job, and that no suitable candidates were available. The employer must also pay the prevailing wage for the occupation, provide working conditions that meet Canadian standards, and meet certain other requirements as determined by Employment Canada. To learn more, contact us to get a free consultation.