WORK PERMIT
Ready to work in Canada? Find more information on work permits via the Labour Market Impact Assessment.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment determines if the hiring of a foreign worker would be positive or negative to the Canadian labour market. The positive LMIA confirms that current residents or Canadians are available to do the job and that there is a need for a foreign worker.
Who Qualifies for an LMIA?
If a foreign worker is applying for a standard, employer-specific work permit and does not fall under any specialized exemption category, the employer must get a positive LMIA before the worker can apply for the work permit.
Exempted individuals: if the job falls under an LMIA-exempt category.
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International Trade Agreements: Professionals, investors, or intra-company transferees under agreements like CUSMA (formerly NAFTA), CETA, or CPTPP.
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Significant Cultural/Economic Benefit: Entrepreneurs setting up a business, emergency repair technicians, or key intra-company transferees.
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Youth & Student Mobility: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, Co-op students, and Working Holiday / International Experience Canada (IEC) participants.
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Open Work Permit Holders: Spouses of certain skilled foreign workers/international students, or PR applicants waiting on inland sponsorship.
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French-Speaking Workers: Skilled Francophone workers taking jobs outside of Quebec.
Who is Eligible for a LMIA?
The eligibility requirements are split between the employer (who applies for and pays for the LMIA) and the worker (who applies for the work permit using the approved LMIA).
Canadian Business Eligibility
Employers must prove to Service Canada that the job offer is genuine:
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Legitimate Business: Must show proof that the business is operational, financially viable, and providing a good or service in Canada.
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Strict Recruitment Efforts: Must advertise the job locally (on Job Bank plus additional platforms) for a minimum period—4 weeks for high-wage positions or 8 weeks for low-wage positions—to attempt to hire Canadians first.
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Prevailing Wage: Must offer a wage that meets or exceeds the regional median wage for that specific occupation.
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No Layoffs: Must verify that hiring the TFW won't cause the firing or reduction of hours for Canadian workers.
Foreign Worker Eligibility
Once the employer receives a "Positive LMIA" letter:
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Qualifications: The worker must show they meet all job requirements listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system (education, work experience, certifications).
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Admissibility: The worker must meet standard Canadian immigration background checks (clean police record, passing medical exam).
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Intent: Must satisfy immigration officers that they will leave Canada when their work permit expires.
Pathways to Canada via LMIA
A Canadian employer obtaining a positive LMIA to hire a temporary foreign worker, which then allows the worker to apply for a closed work permit and later transition to permanent residency.
