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2026 Guide

LMIA Application Guide: How to Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment

Everything Canadian employers need to know about applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, from eligibility and documents to fees and processing.

What Is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker to fill the position and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

The LMIA process is designed to protect the Canadian labour market while allowing employers to address genuine labour shortages. Once an employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Who Needs an LMIA?

Employer Perspective

Canadian employers who want to hire a temporary foreign worker for a position that is not covered by an LMIA exemption must apply for an LMIA. This applies to businesses of all sizes, from small family operations to large corporations, across every province and territory.

Worker Perspective

Foreign workers do not apply for the LMIA themselves — the employer does. However, workers should understand the process because a positive LMIA is often required before they can apply for a work permit. You can search for employers who have already received positive LMIAs.

Some programs are LMIA-exempt, including intra-company transfers, CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) professionals, international agreements, and certain Provincial Nominee Program streams.

LMIA Application Streams

ESDC processes LMIA applications under several distinct streams, each with its own eligibility requirements, processing times, and application forms. Choose the correct stream before applying:

High-Wage Stream

For positions where the offered wage is at or above the provincial/territorial median wage. Employers must submit a transition plan showing how they will reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers over time.

Official requirements

Low-Wage Stream

For positions where the offered wage is below the provincial/territorial median wage. Subject to caps on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers an employer can hire.

Official requirements

Global Talent Stream

Expedited processing (as little as 10 business days) for employers hiring highly skilled foreign workers in designated occupations or referred by a designated partner. Requires a Labour Market Benefits Plan.

Official requirements

Agricultural Stream

For primary agricultural occupations including general farm workers, nursery and greenhouse workers, and harvesting labourers. Specific requirements around housing and transportation apply.

Official requirements

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

A bilateral program with specific countries (Mexico, Caribbean nations) for temporary agricultural workers. Employers must provide housing, transportation, and workplace insurance.

Official requirements

Permanent Residence Stream

For employers supporting a foreign worker's application for permanent residence. This stream allows the worker to apply for a work permit while their PR application is being processed.

Official requirements

In-Home Caregiver

For hiring caregivers to provide care for children, seniors, or persons with medical needs in a private home. Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees may be exempt from the $1,000 processing fee.

Official requirements

Step-by-Step LMIA Application Process

1

Determine if You Need an LMIA

Confirm that the position requires an LMIA. Some work permit streams (e.g., intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals) are LMIA-exempt.

2

Advertise the Position

Post the job on Job Bank Canada and at least two other recruitment platforms for a minimum of four consecutive weeks to demonstrate that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available.

3

Prepare Your Application Package

Gather all required documents including the completed LMIA application form (EMP5593), proof of recruitment efforts, business legitimacy documents, and a transition plan (if applicable).

4

Submit to ESDC

Submit the completed application and supporting documents to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) via the LMIA Online Portal or by mail.

5

Pay the Processing Fee

Pay the processing fee per position requested (currently $1,000). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

6

Respond to Officer Requests

An ESDC officer may contact you for additional information, an interview, or a workplace inspection. Respond promptly and thoroughly.

7

Receive Your LMIA Decision

Once processed, you will receive either a positive or negative LMIA. A positive LMIA (confirmation letter) allows the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.

Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents prepared before submitting your LMIA application:

  • Completed LMIA application form (EMP5593)
  • Business legitimacy documents (articles of incorporation, business licence, CRA documents)
  • Proof of recruitment efforts (job advertisements, screenshots, applicant tracking records)
  • Job offer letter outlining wages, duties, and working conditions
  • Transition plan showing how you will reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers
  • Prevailing wage documentation from Job Bank
  • Workplace safety insurance (WSIB or provincial equivalent)
  • Proof of past LMIA compliance (if applicable)

Processing Fees

$1,000

per position requested

  • The fee is non-refundable, even if the LMIA is refused or withdrawn.
  • Employers requesting multiple positions must pay $1,000 for each position.
  • Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees hiring caregivers may be exempt from the fee.
  • Payment can be made by credit card, certified cheque, or money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Common Reasons for LMIA Refusal

Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid common pitfalls:

Insufficient Recruitment Efforts

The employer did not adequately advertise the position or failed to demonstrate that no qualified Canadian was available.

Wage Below Prevailing Rate

The offered wage is below the median wage for the occupation and region as listed on Job Bank.

Incomplete Application

Missing documents, unsigned forms, or failure to provide requested information within the deadline.

Business Legitimacy Concerns

ESDC could not verify that the business is actively operating or that the job offer is genuine.

Labour Dispute

There is an ongoing labour dispute (strike or lockout) at the workplace.

Non-Compliance History

The employer has a history of non-compliance with LMIA conditions or employment standards.

Tips for a Successful LMIA Application

  1. 1Start advertising early — the four-week recruitment period must be completed before you submit your LMIA application.
  2. 2Offer wages at or above the prevailing median wage listed on Job Bank for the occupation and region.
  3. 3Keep detailed records of every applicant, including reasons for not hiring Canadian candidates.
  4. 4Ensure your business documents are current and clearly demonstrate that the company is actively operating.
  5. 5Include a strong, detailed transition plan explaining how you will train Canadians or permanent residents over time.
  6. 6Respond to any ESDC officer requests within the specified deadline — late responses often lead to refusals.
  7. 7Consider consulting a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer if this is your first LMIA application.
  8. 8Use the LMIA Online Portal for faster submission and tracking.

LMIA Online Portal

LMIA Online is the official secure portal operated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for submitting LMIA applications electronically. It is the fastest and recommended way to apply.

What You Can Do in LMIA Online

  • Submit an LMIA application 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Complete or return to an application before submitting to Service Canada
  • Upload supporting documents (PDF, RTF, TXT, or JPG — max 6 MB each)
  • Securely pay LMIA processing fees by credit card
  • Get real-time status updates on your application
  • View correspondence and decision letters from Service Canada
  • Review previously submitted applications
  • Create a new application by copying information from a previous one
  • Third-party representatives can submit applications on behalf of employers

Before You Apply Online

  • 1.Have a CRA payroll account number associated with a business number
  • 2.Create a personal user account on Job Bank
  • 3.Register the business on Job Bank
  • 4.Gather business legitimacy documents, lease agreements, tax documents, and recruitment records

For Third-Party Representatives

Both the representative and the employer must have personal Job Bank accounts and be added to the “Users” section of the employer file for the business.

The person who manages the employer file can add new users without Job Bank support.

Access LMIA OnlineESDC Employer Portal

LMIA Application Forms by Stream

If you cannot use LMIA Online due to technical issues, you can request the appropriate paper application form from ESDC. Make sure you are submitting the most recent version:

StreamForm Number
Agricultural StreamEMP5519
Seasonal Agricultural Worker ProgramEMP5389
Global Talent StreamEMP5624
High-Wage StreamEMP5626
Low-Wage StreamEMP5627
In-Home CaregiverEMP5628
Permanent Resident StreamEMP5593

To request a paper form, email EDSC.DEMANDE.FORMULAIRE.PTET-TFWP.FORM.REQUEST.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca. Include: steps taken to resolve LMIA Online issues, company name, business number, and streams you want to apply for. Expect a reply within 5 business days.

LMIA Online Troubleshooting

Can't Create a Job Bank Account?

To use LMIA Online, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a CRA payroll account number associated with a business number.

If you are unable to create an account, you can request the paper LMIA application form by email.

Technical Support

Positions in Quebec

For positions located in Quebec with an employment period of more than 30 consecutive days, employers must also comply with additional provincial requirements. Visit the ESDC page on hiring in Quebec for details.

How Long Does the LMIA Process Take?

LMIA processing times vary depending on the stream, region, and time of year. General applications take between 40 to 90 business days, while the Global Talent Stream offers expedited processing in as little as 10 business days.

For a full breakdown of current processing times and tips for faster processing, see our LMIA Processing Time Guide.

Related Resources

Find LMIA Jobs

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Browse Employers

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Processing Times

Check current LMIA processing times by stream and region.

Work Permits

Learn about work permit types and how to apply after getting an LMIA.

Foreign Worker Guide

Complete guide for foreign workers coming to Canada.

Wage Data

Check prevailing wages by occupation and province.

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