LMIA Fees and Additional Employer Requirements

• Regular processing fee is C$1,000 applies to each Labour Market Impact Assessment application
• No fee for LMIA supporting PR application

When approving an LMIA, ESDC will consider whether

  • The job offer is genuine
  • The wages and working conditions are comparable to those offered to Canadians working in the occupation
  • The employer conducted reasonable efforts to hire or train Canadians for the job (the employer will likely need to provide proof of recruitment efforts)
  • The foreign worker is filling a labour shortage
  • The employment will directly create new job opportunities or help retain jobs for Canadians
  • The foreign worker will transfer their knowledge and skills to Canadians and Hiring of the foreign worker will not affect a labour dispute or the employment of any Canadian involved in such a dispute.

LMIA exempt hiring.

Certain scenarios allow Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA. Exemptions depend on the job type, worker’s qualifications, and international agreements. Expert guidance on LMIA exemptions and pathways:

  • International agreements
  • Canadian interests/specialized knowledge
  • Family relationships
  • Graduates from Canadian institutions
  • Intra-company transfers
  • Francophone mobility
  • Significant benefit
  • Reciprocal employment
  • Charitable and religious work
  • Academic exemptions