LMIA Work Permit Canada 2026: Complete Guide for Employers

Last Updated: January 2026 | By Waymark Immigration, RCIC R1034253

Are you a Canadian employer struggling to find qualified workers? The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process allows you to hire foreign workers when Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable. This comprehensive guide explains everything employers need to know about LMIA and work permits in 2026.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from 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 foreign worker
• No Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job
• The employer made genuine efforts to recruit locally
• Hiring the foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on Canada's labour market

Types of LMIA

1. High-Wage LMIA

For positions paying at or above the provincial/territorial median wage.

BC Median Wage (2026): ~$28.85/hour

Requirements:

• Transition Plan required (how you'll reduce reliance on foreign workers)
• Minimum 4 weeks recruitment
• Wages must meet or exceed prevailing wage

2. Low-Wage LMIA

For positions paying below the provincial/territorial median wage.

Additional Requirements:

• Cap on low-wage workers (10-20% of workforce)
• Transportation, housing, and medical insurance for worker
• No transition plan required

3. Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Fast-track LMIA for high-demand tech and STEM occupations.

Processing Time: 2 weeks (expedited)

Two Categories:

• Category A: Referral from designated partner
• Category B: Hiring for occupations on Global Talent Occupations List

4. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

For temporary agricultural workers from Mexico and Caribbean countries.

5. Agricultural Stream

For agricultural occupations not covered by SAWP.

LMIA Processing Time 2026

LMIA TypeProcessing TimeHigh-Wage LMIA8-12 weeksLow-Wage LMIA8-12 weeksGlobal Talent Stream2 weeksSeasonal Agricultural2-4 weeksCaregiver LMIA8-12 weeks

Processing times vary by occupation and region

LMIA Fees

Fee TypeCost (CAD)LMIA application fee$1,000 per positionPrivilege fee (worker pays)$100 (Open Work Permit holder exemption)Work permit fee (worker pays)$155Biometrics (worker pays)$85

Note: LMIA fee is non-refundable even if refused.

Step-by-Step LMIA Process for Employers

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

You must: ✅ Be actively operating a legitimate business in Canada ✅ Offer genuine employment (not self-employment) ✅ Provide wages consistent with prevailing wage rates ✅ Comply with all provincial employment standards ✅ Not have unresolved workplace safety violations

Step 2: Conduct Recruitment

Minimum Recruitment Requirements:

1. Job Bank posting (minimum 4 weeks)
   • Use National Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca)
   • Must include all required information
2. Two additional recruitment methods:
   • General job websites (Indeed, LinkedIn)
   • Professional association websites
   • Newspapers (print or online)
   • Campus job fairs
   • Employment agencies
   • Targeted recruitment for underrepresented groups
3. Keep records of:
   • All applicants and why they weren't hired
   • Number of Canadians/PRs interviewed
   • Recruitment activities and dates

Step 3: Prepare LMIA Application

Required Documents:

Business Documents:

• Canada Revenue Agency documents
• Business registration/incorporation
• Provincial business license
• Most recent T4 summary (if applicable)

Job Offer Details:

• Job title and NOC code
• Wages and benefits
• Working conditions
• Job location(s)
• Hours of work

Recruitment Evidence:

• Job advertisements
• Job Bank confirmation
• Applicant tracking records
• Interview notes

Transition Plan (High-Wage):

• How you'll help foreign worker become PR
• OR reduce reliance on Temporary Foreign Workers

Step 4: Submit Application to ESDC

Submit through ESDC's LMIA Online Portal:

1. Create employer account
2. Complete application forms
3. Upload supporting documents
4. Pay $1,000 fee
5. Submit and track application

Step 5: Respond to ESDC Requests

ESDC may:

• Request additional documents
• Conduct phone interview
• Request clarification on recruitment

Respond promptly – delays can result in refusal.

Step 6: Receive Decision

Positive LMIA:

• Provide LMIA number and job offer letter to worker
• Worker applies for work permit at IRCC
• Valid for 6 months (worker must apply within this period)

Negative LMIA:

• Review refusal reasons
• Consider reapplication with improvements
• Explore LMIA-exempt options

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

Some foreign workers don't need an LMIA:

International Agreements

• CUSMA (US and Mexico citizens)
• CETA (EU citizens)
• Other trade agreements

Canadian Interests Categories

• Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)
• Significant benefit to Canada
• Reciprocal employment
• Research and academics

Express Entry Bridge Open Work Permit

• For Express Entry candidates with valid job offer
• No LMIA needed if ITA received

Post-Graduation Work Permit

• International student graduates
• Open work permit (any employer)

Spousal Open Work Permit

• Spouses of skilled workers
• Spouses of international students

LMIA for Permanent Residence (PR)

A valid LMIA can help foreign workers get permanent residence:

Express Entry Points:

• LMIA-backed job offer: +50 CRS points (NOC TEER 2/3)
• LMIA-backed senior position: +200 CRS points (NOC TEER 0)

Provincial Nominee Programs:

• Many PNP streams accept LMIA-backed job offers
• BC PNP, OINP, SINP, AINP all accept LMIA

Common LMIA Refusal Reasons

1. Insufficient recruitment - Didn't advertise long enough or properly
2. Wage too low - Below prevailing wage for occupation/region
3. Fake job - Position doesn't appear genuine
4. Unqualified employer - Business not actively operating
5. Labour dispute - Ongoing strike or lockout
6. Previous violations - History of non-compliance
7. No genuine labour shortage - Canadians available for job
8. Poor recruitment records - Inadequate documentation

Tips for LMIA Success

1. Start Recruitment Early

Begin advertising at least 6-8 weeks before applying for LMIA.

2. Pay Competitive Wages

Offering below prevailing wage is a common refusal reason. Check Job Bank for wage data.

3. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of:

• Every resume received
• Why each Canadian/PR wasn't hired
• All recruitment activities

4. Be Specific in Job Requirements

Don't require unnecessary qualifications that exclude Canadians.

5. Consult an RCIC

LMIA applications are complex. Professional help increases success rates.

LMIA for Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Employers

The Fraser Valley faces labour shortages in several sectors:

High-Demand Occupations:

• Agriculture and food processing
• Healthcare workers
• Skilled trades
• Transportation (truck drivers)
• Hospitality and tourism
• Manufacturing

Waymark Immigration helps Abbotsford employers navigate LMIA:

✅ Recruitment strategy - Meet ESDC requirements ✅ Documentation preparation - Complete applications ✅ ESDC liaison - Respond to requests ✅ Worker transition - Help workers apply for PR ✅ Compliance support - Meet employer obligations

Employer Compliance Requirements

After hiring a foreign worker, you must:

• Pay wages as stated in LMIA
• Provide working conditions as described
• Keep records for 6 years
• Allow inspections by ESDC
• Report changes to worker's employment
• Not charge workers for recruitment fees

Non-compliance penalties:

• Fines up to $100,000 per violation
• Ban from LMIA program (1-10 years)
• Publication of business name

Get Help with Your LMIA

Hiring foreign workers is complex but rewarding. Waymark Immigration helps Fraser Valley employers:

1. Assess your hiring needs - Which LMIA stream is best
2. Conduct compliant recruitment - Meet all requirements
3. Prepare strong applications - Maximize approval chances
4. Support your workers - Work permits and PR pathways

Book an Employer Consultation: Waymark Immigration

Waymark Immigration Unit 312, 34334 Forrest Terrace Abbotsford, BC V2S 1G7 Phone: 604-750-8846 | 778-317-7697

Helping BC Employers Find the Workers They Need

Related Articles:

• Global Talent Stream: Fast-Track Tech Hiring
• Work Permit Extension Guide 2026
• LMIA vs LMIA-Exempt: Which is Better?

Disclaimer: LMIA requirements and policies change frequently. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a licensed RCIC for current guidance.