A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document Canadian employers need before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that no Canadian worker is available for the job.

Do all Canadian work permits require LMIA?

No. Some work permits are LMIA-exempt, including intra-company transfers, NAFTA/CUSMA professionals, and certain international agreements. The Global Talent Stream also offers expedited processing.

How long does LMIA processing take?

Standard LMIA processing takes 2-3 months. The Global Talent Stream can process applications in 2 weeks for in-demand occupations.

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Q: Can LMIA lead to permanent residence?

Yes. Canadian work experience gained through an LMIA-supported work permit can help qualify for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs for permanent residence.

Find employers with positive LMIA history. We track Labour Market Impact Assessment approvals across Canada.

View data for:

All Countries 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇦 Canada 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇦🇺 Australia 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇳🇿 New Zealand

1,410,914

LMIA Approvals

50+

Companies Tracked

2015-2025

Years of Data

Understanding LMIA in Canada

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain before hiring a temporary foreign worker. A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available.

How LMIA Process Works

Employer advertises job to Canadians first
Employer applies to ESDC for LMIA
ESDC assesses labour market impact
Positive LMIA issued if criteria met
Worker applies for work permit with LMIA

Key LMIA Facts

• No annual cap (demand-based)
• Processing: 2-3 months typically
• Can lead to permanent residence
• Global Talent Stream: 2-week processing
• Some roles are LMIA-exempt

Tip: Companies with positive LMIA history have proven they can navigate the process successfully. The Global Talent Stream offers expedited processing for in-demand tech occupations.

LMIA Approvals by Year

77,346 approvals

2016

87,560 approvals

2017

93,416 approvals

2018

113,212 approvals

2019

106,709 approvals

2020

110,097 approvals

2021

196,008 approvals

2022

227,675 approvals

2023

228,870 approvals

2024

87,338 approvals

2025

Top Provinces for LMIA Sponsorship

Ontario

431,242

Quebec

371,105

British Columbia

309,900

Alberta

148,445

Nova Scotia

33,790

New Brunswick

29,329

Manitoba

24,101

Employers carrying on business in Canada with Head Office outside of Canada

19,546

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Visa Sponsorship by Role

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LMIA FAQ

What is the Global Talent Stream?▼

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast-track work permit program for highly skilled workers in in-demand tech occupations. Processing takes about 2 weeks compared to months for regular LMIA. Eligible occupations include software engineers, data scientists, and other tech roles. Employers must commit to creating jobs or investing in skills training for Canadians.

Are all jobs in Canada LMIA-required?▼

No, some work permits are LMIA-exempt. This includes intra-company transfers, workers under international agreements (CUSMA/USMCA, CETA), spouses of skilled workers, and post-graduation work permits for international students. However, most employer-initiated foreign hires require a positive LMIA.

Can LMIA lead to permanent residence in Canada?▼

Yes, Canadian work experience gained through LMIA-based work permits can help you qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or Provincial Nominee Programs. Many workers transition from temporary work permits to permanent residence within 1-3 years of working in Canada.