Labour Market Impact Assessments

Overview

Labour Market Impact Assessments

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an Employment and Social Development Canada decision about hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA supports—but does not approve—the worker’s separate IRCC work-permit application.

The employer applies to Service Canada

The stream depends on wage, occupation and circumstances. Employers may need recruitment, advertising, transition or housing evidence and must offer the required wage and working conditions.

Workers should not prepare false recruitment records or pay the employer’s LMIA fee.

A positive decision has defined terms

The letter identifies the employer, occupation, location and validity period. The worker must apply before the LMIA expires, and the permit application should match the approved job.

A positive LMIA does not guarantee a permit, entry or permanent residence.

Employer duties continue after hiring

The employer must provide substantially the same job, wage and conditions, comply with employment law and protect the worker from abuse. Records are retained for six years and may be inspected.

Material changes should be reported through the employer process instead of hidden from the worker or government.

Fraud can affect both parties

Selling a job offer or asking the worker to reimburse prohibited recruitment or LMIA costs is a warning sign. Verify the legal business and speak directly with the employer.

False LMIAs, experience letters or payroll can lead to refusal, misrepresentation findings, penalties and employer bans.