Last Updated:May 11, 2026
What is an LMIA-Based Work Permit?
This is a work permit obtained with sponsorship from an employer, allowing employment only with a specific employer and in a specific job. This type of work permit is referred to as an “employer-specific work permit” by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). To obtain this work permit, the employer must apply for and receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA is required for the visa application to IRCC.
What is LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, which is a document that Canadian employers must obtain from ESDC before hiring foreign workers. If the employer passes the assessment, a positive LMIA letter is issued. This indicates that the employer needs to hire a foreign national temporarily because no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for the job. Once the employer has obtained a positive LMIA, the foreign national can apply for a work permit. For more information, please refer to this link: LMIA
Application requirements for LMIA-Based Work Permit
- You must have received a job offer from an employer that complies with Canadian labour standards.
- The employer must have obtained a positive LMIA for the specific employment.
- You must be capable of working in the occupation specified in the positive LMIA.
Application Restrictions for Low-Wage Positions
Effective September 26, 2024, the following restrictions apply to LMIA applications for Low-Wage Positions.
Applications Not Accepted in Metropolitan Areas with an Unemployment Rate of 6% or Higher
LMIA applications for Low-Wage Positions will not be approved in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
Read More
For more details on the latest unemployment rates announced by the Canadian government, please see here: New Low-Wage LMIA Rules: Advertising Period Doubled, Youth Recruitment Now Mandatory
Cap on the Proportion of Low-Wage Positions
In most sectors, the cap on the proportion of foreign workers in Low-Wage Positions is set at 10%. However, for the construction and healthcare sectors, this cap remains at 20%.
Work Permit Validity Period
The validity period of work permits issued for Low-Wage Positions is limited to 1 year.
Differences Between High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams
The High-Wage Stream applies when the hourly wage of the job offer is at or above the provincial/territorial median wage. Conversely, the Low-Wage Stream applies when the hourly wage of the job offer is below the provincial/territorial median wage.
| Criteria | High-Wage Stream | Low-Wage Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage Requirement | At or above the provincial/territorial median wage | Below the provincial/territorial median wage |
| Cap on Foreign Workers | None | Subject to a cap (generally up to 10% of the total workforce, or 0% in certain regions) |
| Employment Duration | Up to 3 years | Usually 1 year |
| Characteristics | Considered to have a lower impact on the labour market | Considered to have a higher impact on the labour market, subject to more restrictions |
2025 Provincial/Territorial Median Hourly Wages
| Province/Territory | LMIAs received before June 27, 2025 | LMIAs received on or after June 27, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $35.40 | $36.00 |
| British Columbia | $34.62 | $36.60 |
| Manitoba | $30.00 | $30.16 |
| New Brunswick | $28.85 | $30.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.20 | $32.40 |
| Northwest Territories | $47.09 | $48.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.80 | $30.00 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Ontario | $34.07 | $36.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $28.80 | $30.00 |
| Quebec | $32.96 | $34.62 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.40 | $33.60 |
| Yukon | $43.20 | $44.40 |
How to apply to use the Global Talent Stream
This is the LMIA application process for companies with references from industry associations or economic development organizations designated by ESDC, or for companies wishing to hire foreign nationals for specific positions. Under this method, companies are required to develop a labour market benefit plan with ESDC, and the progress of the plan is reviewed annually. The focus is mainly on IT-related and engineering-related occupations, but the designated occupations are subject to change based on labour market conditions. This application process waives the job posting requirement and allows for a quicker review process. For more information, please refer to this link: Global Talent Stream
We recommend that company representatives who wish to utilize the Global Talent Stream seek expert advice to stay up to date with the latest information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Application process for LMIA-REP
New registrations for the LMIA-REP will no longer be accepted as of September 16, 2024.
This is a three-year pilot program that offers benefits to employers using the REP, including a simplified LMIA process and an extension of the validity period of approved LMIAs. For more information, please refer to this link: LMIA-REP
We recommend that company representatives who wish to utilize the LMIA-REP seek expert advice to stay up to date with the latest information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Application process for LMIA-Based Work Permit
01Obtain a job offer
A job offer that complies with Canadian labour standards is prepared by the employer and signed by both parties. The job offer includes the position, job duties, number of work hours, salary, and location of employment.
02Post job advertisements
Job advertisements will be posted for a minimum of 28 days, with content that complies with ESDC regulations.
03Employers apply for LMIA
Employers apply for the LMIA online by paying an application fee to ESDC. The application must include the content and results of a prior job advertisement, details of employment conditions, proof that the company is operating in compliance with the law, and evidence that the company is financially capable of hiring the foreign national.
04Review by ESDC
ESDC will review LMIA applications according to the review criteria.
05Issuance of Positive LMIA
If the LMIA application is approved by ESDC, ESDC will issue a Positive LMIA Confirmation Letter to the employer.
06Apply for a work permit
The applicant must submit a Positive LMIA Confirmation Letter along with the required application documents and pay an application fee to IRCC to apply for a work permit. The application process varies depending on the applicant’s current location and immigration status at the time of application.
07Review by IRCC
IRCC will review the application and determine if the applicant meets the requirements.
08Obtain a work permit
If your application is approved, you will be issued a work permit. The permit may be mailed to you, or you may present the approval letter upon arrival and have the work permit issued at the port of entry.
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