Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Lawyer in Canada
Hiring a foreign worker — or securing a Canadian work permit — often starts with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Ayodele Law helps Canadian employers and foreign workers across Canada navigate the LMIA process with confidence, clarity, and compliance.
What Is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that a Canadian employer is permitted to hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that:
There is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the role, and
No qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position
Most LMIA applications fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and are reviewed in coordination with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Who Needs an LMIA?
In most cases, the employer is responsible for applying for the LMIA — not the worker. An LMIA is usually required when:
A Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign national under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The job offer is not LMIA-exempt
The worker is applying for an employer-specific (closed) work permit
Some work permits are LMIA-exempt, including those issued under international trade agreements, intra-company transfers, or certain provincial nominee streams. Before advertising or filing, speaking with an LMIA lawyer near you can help confirm whether an LMIA is actually required.
High-Wage vs Low-Wage LMIA Streams: Comparison Table
LMIA applications are divided into high-wage and low-wage streams based on the wage offered compared to the provincial or territorial median.
Important update: As of November 8, 2024, the high-wage threshold increased to 20% above the median wage in the applicable province or territory.
| LMIA Stream | When It Applies | Key Obligations |
|---|---|---|
| High-Wage LMIA | Wage offered is at or above the provincial or territorial median | Transition plan required unless the LMIA supports permanent residence |
| Low-Wage LMIA | Wage offered is below the provincial or territorial median | Subject to caps, duration limits, and enhanced recruitment requirements |
How Do You Apply for an LMIA?
Applying for an LMIA is a structured, evidence-heavy process. Errors or omissions often result in refusals or long delays.
Step 1: Choose the Correct LMIA Stream
We assess:
Wage level
Job location
NOC classification
Industry-specific restrictions
Step 2: Demonstrate Business Legitimacy
Employers must submit documentation such as:
Valid business licence
Most recent T4 Summary
PD7A Statement of Account
Proof of active operations in Canada
As of October 28, 2024, attestations from lawyers or accountants are no longer accepted to prove business legitimacy.
Step 3: Recruitment & Advertising
Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents.
Advertisements must run for at least four consecutive weeks within the three months before submitting the LMIA application.
| LMIA Type | Advertising Requirements |
|---|---|
| High-Wage Positions | Job Bank Canada plus two additional national recruitment methods |
| Low-Wage Positions | Job Bank Canada plus two methods targeting underrepresented groups |
Step 4: Submit the LMIA Application
Once recruitment and documentation are complete, the application is submitted to ESDC. Accuracy is critical — even small inconsistencies can trigger refusals.
Note: Certain low-wage LMIA applications in the Montréal region are temporarily not being processed (September 3, 2024 to March 3, 2025).
Can an LMIA Help With Permanent Residence?
Yes. An LMIA can be a powerful tool for permanent residence.nA valid LMIA-supported job offer may:
Add points under Express Entry
Remove the requirement for a transition plan when supporting PR
Ayodele Law regularly assists workers moving from LMIA-based work permits to permanent residence.
What Is the Global Talent Stream (GTS) LMIA?
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) allows eligible employers to hire highly skilled workers more quickly.
Start your LMIA application with Ayodele Law
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often the key step for Canadian employers seeking to hire a foreign worker under the
Temporary Foreign Worker Program. LMIA applications are closely reviewed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and
require strict compliance with advertising, wage, and business legitimacy requirements.
At Ayodele Law, our Toronto-based immigration law firm provides clear, strategic support for LMIA applications across
Canada—from confirming whether an LMIA is required and identifying the correct high- or low-wage stream, to preparing complete,
defensible submissions and advising on work permit and permanent residence options. If you’re searching for an LMIA lawyer
near you or trusted legal guidance near me in Toronto or anywhere in Canada, we offer practical representation
designed to reduce risk and avoid delays.
| Feature | Global Talent Stream |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 10 business days (service standard) |
| Advertising Required | No |
| Additional Requirement | Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Labour Market Impact Assessments are complex, highly regulated, and frequently misunderstood. Below are answers to common LMIA questions we receive from employers and foreign workers across Canada.
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The government fee is $1,000 per position. This fee must be paid by the employer.
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Yes, most LMIA applications require advertising unless an exemption applies, such as the Global Talent Stream.
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LMIAs are closely scrutinized, particularly low-wage applications and those in high-unemployment regions. Preparation is key.
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The distinction depends on whether the offered wage is above or below the provincial median, with different obligations for each.
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A fast-track LMIA option for highly skilled positions, offering expedited processing and no advertising requirement.
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No. A positive LMIA allows a worker to apply for a work permit, but IRCC still assesses eligibility and admissibility.
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Yes. An LMIA-supported job offer can strengthen Express Entry and PNP applications.
From Our ClientsFrom start to finish, Tracy's professionalism and personalized approach made a significant difference in my case and my life. She was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely supportive, ensuring that every step of the process was handled with care and attention to detail. If you need expert immigration assistance, I highly recommend Ayodele Law
Contact us
In person or virtual consultations available. Your case is important to us. We will get back to you within 24 hours of your submission.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 10am - 5pm
Telephone: 647-937-4330
Fax: 416-486-7747
Email: admin@ayodelelaw.ca