Canada’s Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

Labour Market Impact assessment (LMIA)

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Services – Employers Across Canada

Hiring foreign talent in Canada often requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that confirms hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.

At Scope Immigration Services, we provide comprehensive LMIA services to employers across Canada, helping you hire skilled foreign workers efficiently, navigate government requirements, and maximize approval chances.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document that:

  • Confirms the need for a temporary foreign worker in a specific role.
  • Ensures no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the position.
  • Is required for most temporary work permit applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Some workers are exempt from needing an LMIA, such as intra-company transfers or positions under certain international agreements.

For more information: IRCC LMIA Information

LMIA Streams

ESDC currently offers several LMIA streams to meet varied labor market needs:

  1. High-Wage Positions
    • Jobs paying at or above the provincial median wage.
    • Requires demonstration of recruitment efforts for Canadians.
    • Advertising: minimum 4 weeks on approved job boards.
    • Positions may include specialized roles in healthcare, IT, engineering, and management.
  1. Low-Wage Positions
    • Jobs paying below the provincial median wage.
    • Requires a Labour Market Benefits Plan showing benefits for Canadian workers (e.g., training).
    • Advertising: minimum 8 weeks, including the Job Bank and other channels.
    • Includes hospitality, retail, and entry-level positions.
  1. Global Talent Stream (GTS)
    • For employers hiring highly specialized or tech talent.
    • Fast processing: ~2 weeks.
    • Requires a Labour Market Benefits Plan detailing impact on Canadian workforce.
    • Includes positions in software development, engineering, and AI.
  1. Agricultural Stream
    • For seasonal or permanent agricultural positions.
    • Positions include farm labor, greenhouse work, and related roles.
    • Employers must comply with wage, housing, and workplace standards.
    • Agricultural LMIA Info
  1. High-Wage & Low-Wage Stream for Seasonal and Non-Agricultural Roles
    • Designed for industries like hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
    • Employers must demonstrate efforts to hire Canadians first.
  1. Global Skills Strategy / Innovative Talent Stream
    • For high-growth sectors and innovative companies.
    • LMIA approvals processed in 2 weeks.
    • Helps Canadian businesses compete globally for talent.
  1. Other Specialized Streams
    • LMIA exemptions may apply under:
      • International agreements (CETA, NAFTA/USMCA)
      • Intra-company transfers
      • Charitable or religious work
      • Academic exchanges

For a complete list of streams: ESDC Foreign Worker Services

LMIA Eligibility Requirements for Employers

To qualify for LMIA, employers must:

  • Be a legally registered business in Canada.
  • Show financial stability to pay the foreign worker.
  • Offer wages and benefits in line with provincial standards.
  • Demonstrate active recruitment efforts for Canadian workers.
  • Comply with federal and provincial labor laws.
  • For specific streams like Global Talent or agriculture, additional requirements apply.

Wage Requirements

LMIA Processing Times

 

LMIA Stream

Processing Time

High-Wage TFWP

10–12 weeks

Low-Wage TFWP

10–16 weeks

Global Talent Stream

2 weeks (priority)

Agricultural Stream

2–6 weeks

Seasonal & Other Specialized Streams

Varies by sector

Times are approximate and may change based on ESDC workload and application completeness.

Job Advertisement Requirements

Employers must demonstrate that recruitment efforts for Canadians have been made:

  • Post the job for 4 weeks depending on wage and stream.
  • Use Job Bank, provincial job boards, and approved recruitment channels.
  • Keep records of recruitment efforts (applications, interviews, outcomes).
  • Global Talent Stream may require a Labour Market Benefits Plan instead of job posting.

 

How Scope Immigration Services Helps Employers

We provide full-service LMIA support for Canadian businesses:

  1. Eligibility Assessment – Identify the correct LMIA stream.
  2. Recruitment & Advertising Guidance – Ensure job postings comply with government rules.
  3. Application Preparation & Submission – Complete forms and documents accurately.
  4. Follow-Up & Communication – Track LMIA status and communicate with ESDC.
  5. Work Permit Assistance – Guide foreign workers through the work permit process after LMIA approval.

Result: Hire foreign talent confidently while we manage the entire LMIA process.

Why Choose Scope Immigration Services

  • Expertise in Canadian LMIA and TFWP regulations
  • Personalized service for employers across Canada
  • Fast and accurate applications to reduce processing delays
  • Guidance for high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, global talent, and other LMIA streams
  • Proven track record of successful approvals

Get Started Today

Want to hire skilled foreign workers in Canada? Contact Scope Immigration Services for expert LMIA guidance and services.

Book a Consultation Now