LMIA-Based Work Permits
LMIA-based work permits allow Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals when they can demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. In most cases, employers must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), confirming that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on Canada’s labour market.
To qualify, employers must apply under the appropriate LMIA stream (high-wage, low-wage, primary agriculture, caregiver roles, or specialized categories such as the Global Talent Stream) and demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts before offering the position to a foreign national. Employers must meet prevailing wage requirements, comply with federal and provincial employment standards, and provide documentation establishing business legitimacy and labour need. Once a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign national may apply for an employer-specific work permit, and the employment must be temporary in nature.
Cohen Visa advises employers and foreign workers on LMIA eligibility, recruitment strategy, wage compliance, documentation, and regulatory obligations to support successful LMIA applications and temporary immigration planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LMIA-based work permits
An LMIA is an opinion from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on whether hiring a foreign worker for a specific job will have a neutral or positive effect on Canada’s labour market. For most employer-specific, LMIA-based work permits, the employer must obtain a positive LMIA before the foreign worker applies for a work permit.
Employers apply under the stream that fits the role and location—commonly high-wage or low-wage, as well as primary agriculture, caregiver categories where applicable, or specialized streams such as the Global Talent Stream. Cohen Visa helps identify the correct stream and meet recruitment, wage, and documentation rules.
Employers generally must demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents, offer at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and region, comply with federal and provincial employment standards, and provide evidence of a legitimate business and genuine labour need. Requirements vary by stream.
Timelines depend on the stream, volume at Service Canada, and file completeness. Published service standards and current processing times change over time; Cohen Visa advises on realistic planning and complete filings to avoid unnecessary delay.
The foreign worker typically applies for an employer-specific work permit referencing the LMIA confirmation. The employment remains temporary; Cohen Visa supports both the employer and the worker with permit strategy and compliance.
We advise on LMIA eligibility, stream selection, recruitment strategy, wage compliance, employer documentation, and coordination with temporary work permit applications. We align filings with ESDC and IRCC expectations and your broader immigration goals.