【Risk of Refusal if Not Complied】LMIA Job Advertisement Rules Updated: Job Bank “Direct Apply” Mandatory, Effective Immediately

The Canadian government has updated LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) job advertisement requirements as of September 8, 2025. Employers seeking to hire foreign workers in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must now use the Direct Apply feature on the National Job Bank. All resumes submitted through Direct Apply must be reviewed. Failure to comply with these rules may result in LMIA applications being refused.

The new rules introduce stricter standards for Canadian employers posting LMIA-related job openings.

• Mandatory Use of Direct Apply
  Employers must use the Job Bank’s Direct Apply feature for all LMIA job postings. Applicants can apply directly using their registered resumes, ensuring fair consideration for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents.
• Obligation to Review All Applicants
  Employers are required to evaluate all applications submitted through Job Bank. Ignoring applicants may be considered a violation of LMIA advertising requirements, potentially leading to application refusal.
• Additional Application Channels
  In addition to the Job Bank, employers must provide at least two other ways for applicants to apply, such as company websites, LinkedIn, or dedicated online portals. This ensures wider accessibility for Canadian and international job seekers.
• Retroactive Application
  Existing job postings on Job Bank must comply with the new Direct Apply requirements to meet LMIA standards.
• Impact on Advertising Duration
  Disabling Direct Apply or ignoring applications may prevent the standard four-week advertising period from being fulfilled, which could lead to LMIA refusal.

The updated rules aim to increase employment opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents while maintaining fair access for foreign workers under the TFWP.
By improving transparency and accessibility in LMIA job postings, Canada ensures that employers make reasonable efforts to hire local talent before hiring temporary foreign workers.

• Simplified Application Process
  Job Bank’s Direct Apply allows job seekers to apply directly without navigating multiple websites.
• Efficient Applications with Job Seeker Plus
  Applicants with a Job Seeker Plus account can submit resumes with a single click, saving time and reducing application effort.

• Some positions, such as visiting professors, postdoctoral fellows, and camp counselors, are exempt from LMIA advertising requirements.
• Employers must provide Direct Apply plus at least two additional application methods. Direct Apply alone is insufficient to meet LMIA standards.

For Employers

Confirm compliance with the new LMIA job posting rules before submitting applications to avoid refusal.

For Job Seekers

Keep your Job Bank account and resumes up to date for smooth application submission.

Shiraishi Visa JP Canada Support: We provide guidance on creating LMIA-compliant job postings, managing application channels, and handling LMIA applications for employers hiring foreign workers in Canada.