LMIA in Canada: Guides, Tools & Job Search
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is the document a Canadian employer may need from ESDC before hiring a foreign worker. Find LMIA-flagged jobs, learn how the process works, and avoid the scams.
What is LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It's issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker for a specific role won't harm the Canadian labour market.
The employer applies — never the worker. The employer pays the $1,000 CAD fee, runs the recruitment, and submits the package. If approved, the worker uses the positive LMIA to apply to IRCC for a work permit.
Many Canadian work permits don't need an LMIA at all (Global Talent Stream, intra-company transfers, free trade agreements, post-graduation work permits, IEC, spousal open permits). See our LMIA-exempt guide.
Free LMIA tools
LMIA guides
- LMIA Canada: What It Is and How It Works
- How LMIA Applications Work (Employer & Worker View)
- LMIA Processing Time in 2026 (by Stream)
- Low-Wage vs High-Wage LMIA
- LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Explained
- LMIA Employer List: How to Use It
- Finding LMIA Jobs on Job Bank Canada
- LMIA Jobs for Foreigners Outside Canada
- LMIA-Friendly Jobs in Canada
Find LMIA-flagged jobs in seconds
Search Canadian postings flagged as LMIA-requested. Free, no signup.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: Jobeefy is not an immigration service. Always verify LMIA and work-permit questions with an authorized immigration representative (RCIC) or immigration lawyer.