7 min

You’re ready to hire. The job is posted, the candidate is chosen — but without an LMIA, you can’t move forward.

Hiring a foreign worker in Canada starts with understanding the LMIA process in Canada. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial step that proves no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job, and that bringing in a foreign worker won’t harm the local labour market.

The LMIA in Canada process can be complex, with detailed government forms, strict recruitment rules, and tight timelines.

This step-by-step guide simplifies the LMIA process so you can move forward confidently.

Step 1: When Do You Need an LMIA?

The first step in the LMIA process is determining if you need one.

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document from the Canadian government. It permits you to hire a foreign worker by showing that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job.

This is one of the most important LMIA process steps — if you skip it, your application could be refused.

When is an LMIA required?

You need an LMIA in Canada if:

Most employers going through the LMIA application process will fall into this category.

When is an LMIA not needed?

Some jobs are LMIA-exempt, meaning you can skip this step. This usually happens when:

Step 2: Choosing the Right LMIA Stream for Your Job Offer

Your next step is to choose the correct stream in the LMIA in Canada . This depends on how much you’re paying the worker.

➤ High-Wage Stream

➤ Low-Wage Stream

➤ Other LMIA Streams

Some jobs fall under special LMIA categories:

Each stream has its own rules and documents, so choosing the right one keeps your LMIA application steps on track and avoids delays.

Step 3: LMIA Recruitment Requirements for Employers

Before you apply for an LMIA, you must show that you tried to hire a Canadian or permanent resident first. This is one of the most important LMIA process steps, and skipping it can lead to a refusal.

➤ Where to Post the Job

You must advertise the job for at least 4 weeks. Your job ad must appear on:

Each ad must include:

➤ What Proof Do You Need

When you apply for the LMIA, you’ll need to submit:

This is called a recruitment summary, and it’s a key part of the LMIA application process. If your job ads don’t meet the rules, your application may be rejected — even if everything else is correct.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

After you’ve finished the recruitment step, it’s time to prepare your LMIA application. This part of the LMIA process is about collecting and organizing the right documents.

Sending the wrong forms or missing information can delay or even reject your application.

➤ What You Need to Include:

LMIA application form (usually EMP5626 for most jobs)
Proof of business legitimacy (like a business license, CRA documents, or tax returns)
Recruitment summary (from Step 3)
Copy of the job offer and employment contract
Transition plan (only for high-wage positions)
Payment receipt for the LMIA fee ($1,000 per worker)

➤ Tips:

Step 5: Submit Your LMIA Application to Service Canada

Once you’ve gathered all required documents, the next step in the LMIA process is submitting your application.

➤ Where to Submit

You must send your application to Service Canada, either by:

The correct submission method depends on the LMIA stream you’re applying under. Instructions are listed on the official LMIA page.

➤ LMIA Fee

You’ll need to pay $1,000 per worker.

This fee is:

Make sure you include proof of payment with your application.

➤ After Submission

Once submitted, you’ll receive a file number. Service Canada may contact you for more details or to clarify parts of your application. Responding quickly can help speed up the LMIA application process.

Step 6: What to Expect During LMIA Processing

After you submit your LMIA application, Service Canada will start reviewing it. This part of the LMIA process usually takes a few weeks, depending on the stream and how complete your application is.

➤ Processing Times

Typical timelines:

➤ During the Review

Service Canada may:

Make sure you respond quickly to avoid delays.

➤ The Outcome

There are two possible results:

Step 7: After LMIA Approval — What Employers Must Do Next

If your LMIA is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation letter from Service Canada. This means you can now move forward with hiring your foreign worker, but there are still a few important steps to complete.

➤ Give Documents to the Worker

Share the following with the worker:

They’ll need these documents to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

➤ Understand Your Responsibilities

Once the worker starts, you must:

Failing to follow the rules can affect your future LMIA applications.

Common LMIA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid these common errors in the LMIA process:

Incomplete job ads
→ Follow posting rules (Job Bank + 2 sources, 4 weeks).
Missing or incorrect documents
→ Use updated forms and include all required files.
Wrong fee or payment by the worker
→ The employer must pay $1,000 per position, not the worker.
Slow responses to Service Canada
→ Reply quickly to avoid delays.
Not following the LMIA terms after approval
→ Stick to approved wages, hours, and duties.

Fixing these mistakes early saves time and improves your approval chances.

Final Thought

The LMIA application process involves multiple steps, each with strict requirements. Staying organized, following the rules carefully, and planning ahead will help you avoid delays and improve your chances of approval.

Need expert support with your LMIA application? Book a consultation with WEICS and ensure your hiring process is smooth, compliant, and successful.