Question 1

What is an LMIA?

Accepted Answer

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a decision issued by Employment and Social Development Canada on whether hiring a temporary foreign worker is likely to have a positive, neutral or negative effect on the Canadian labour market. Most employers need a positive LMIA before a worker can apply for a work permit.

Question 2

How much does an LMIA cost?

Accepted Answer

LMIA Check uses a standard processing fee of $1,000 per position requested. Some streams and situations are exempt from the fee, and other costs such as advertising and recruitment are separate. Confirm current fees with Service Canada before applying.

Question 3

What is the difference between a High-Wage and a Low-Wage LMIA?

Accepted Answer

The offered hourly wage is compared with the applicable provincial or territorial threshold. At or above it, the position is normally assessed under the high-wage stream, which typically involves a transition plan. Below it, the low-wage stream applies, with caps on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers and additional employer obligations.

Question 4

How long must an LMIA job be advertised?

Accepted Answer

Advertising requirements depend on the wage stream: LMIA Check uses 8 consecutive weeks of qualifying advertising for Low-Wage positions and 4 consecutive weeks for High-Wage positions, within the 3 months before submission, alongside multiple distinct recruitment methods. Verify the requirement that applies to your application.

Question 5

Does an LMIA guarantee a work permit?

Accepted Answer

No. A positive LMIA lets a worker apply for a work permit. The permit decision is made separately by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Question 6

What does the LMIA readiness score mean?

Accepted Answer

The Preparation Readiness Score measures whether known preparation requirements appear complete based on the information you entered. It is not a probability of approval and it is not a prediction of any decision.

Question 7

Can LMIA Check submit my LMIA?

Accepted Answer

No. LMIA Check is informational software, not a law firm, immigration consultancy or authorized representative. It does not submit applications or represent employers.

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How it works

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We check current requirements

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Why employers use LMIA Check

Free tools

LMIA Wage Checker

NOC Finder

LMIA Readiness Checker

Frequently asked questions