Check LMIA Exemptions First
IRCC states that the International Mobility Program (IMP) "lets you hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)" (IRCC, Hire through the International Mobility Program). Among the workers IRCC lists under the IMP are:
- "workers under a free trade agreement". The professions listed in CUSMA Chapter 16, Appendix 2 include "Engineer", "Accountant", "Scientist" and "Lawyer (including Notary in the Province of Quebec)" (CUSMA, Chapter 16)
- "applicants in the Working Holiday category of International Experience Canada (IEC)", who hold an open work permit
- "Global Skills Strategy applicants (if the job is LMIA-exempt)"
- "French-speaking workers outside Quebec"
Full list: IRCC, Who you can hire
LMIA Streams
Select a stream below to review it. ESDC's full list of streams is on its Hire a temporary foreign worker page; the wage stream definitions are on its high-wage or low-wage position page.
High-Wage LMIA
For a wage "at or above the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold" (ESDC).
Review detailsLow-Wage LMIA
For a wage "below the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold" (ESDC).
Review detailsAgricultural LMIA
ESDC stream: "Primary agriculture positions".
Review detailsCaregiver LMIA
ESDC stream: "Caregiver positions".
Review detailsGlobal Talent Stream
ESDC stream: "Global Talent Stream".
Review detailsAcademic LMIA
ESDC stream: "Foreign academic positions".
Review detailsRecognized Employer Pilot (REP)
ESDC states: "As of September 16, 2024, new applications to participate in the pilot will no longer be accepted." "Recognized employers can still access the simplified LMIA." ESDC also states: "Recognized employers can benefit from validity periods of up to 36 months for LMIA applications that receive a positive decision." (ESDC, Recognized Employer Pilot)
Quick Facts
Contact us to assess LMIA requirements and exemptions.
Schedule your consultationA consultation is required for case-specific advice.
Eligibility Points to Check
Each point below quotes the official source.
Which wage stream applies
ESDC states: "Offering a higher wage to temporary foreign workers isn’t sufficient to qualify under the stream for high-wage positions." (ESDC, High-wage or low-wage position)
Low-wage positions in some census metropolitan areas
ESDC states: "Certain LMIA applications submitted as of September 26, 2024, won't be processed." "This refusal to process applies to LMIA applications submitted for positions with:" "a wage below the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold, and" "a work location in a census metropolitan area with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher" (ESDC, Program requirements for low-wage positions)
Advertising for low-wage positions
ESDC states: "You must ensure that the job advertisement:" "is for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months prior to submitting an LMIA application". ESDC also states: "You must demonstrate recruitment efforts to reach and encourage youth (ages 15-30) to apply for the job to ensure that they were provided with every opportunity to obtain employment." (ESDC, Program requirements for low-wage positions)
Whether an LMIA is needed at all
IRCC states: "You can hire without an LMIA through the International Mobility Program." (IRCC, Find out if you need a labour market impact assessment)
LMIA vs. International Mobility Program
IRCC states: "If you determine that you need an LMIA, you’ll need to hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program." (IRCC, Find out if you need a labour market impact assessment)
IRCC also states: "Under the International Mobility Program (IMP), you can hire a temporary foreign worker without a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)." (IRCC, Who you can hire)
Compliance Reminder
ESDC states: "Under the IRPR, we can:" "inspect the treatment of temporary foreign workers up to 6 years after the temporary foreign worker has started working".
ESDC lists consequences of non-compliance including "penalties up to $100,000 per violation, to a maximum of $1 million per year" and "publication of your business name and address on IRCC’s Employers who have been found non-compliant page" (ESDC, Employer compliance).
Information provided is general in nature and current as of the page's last update. Immigration laws, processing times, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are subject to change per IRCC policy updates. This page does not constitute legal advice. Specific cases require individual consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Amer Rehman is an RCIC (R515343), member in good standing with CICC.