LMIA Strategy&Workforce Planning
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) strategy and workforce planning helps Canadian employers assess when and how to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to support workforce needs while protecting the domestic labour market. An LMIA is a formal assessment, conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), that determines whether hiring a temporary foreign worker will have a neutral or positive effect on Canada’s workforce by confirming that qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available for the job and that the position meets program requirements.
Effective LMIA workforce planning begins with carefully evaluating the types of positions you need to fill and determining the appropriate LMIA stream—whether high-wage, low-wage, primary agriculture, or specialized categories such as the Global Talent Stream—based on prevailing wage thresholds and specific labour needs. Employers must also prepare to demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts, meet business legitimacy criteria, and provide supporting documentation that shows the job offer and organization are legitimate, in compliance with federal and provincial regulations.
Cohen Visa advises employers on LMIA strategy, recruitment planning, compliance obligations, and documentation to support successful LMIA applications and long-term workforce planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LMIA strategy and workforce planning
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a formal assessment conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that determines whether hiring a temporary foreign worker will have a neutral or positive effect on Canada's workforce. It confirms that qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available for the job and that the position meets program requirements.
LMIA streams include high-wage, low-wage, primary agriculture, and specialized categories such as the Global Talent Stream. The appropriate stream depends on prevailing wage thresholds and specific labour needs. Effective workforce planning begins with carefully evaluating the types of positions you need to fill and determining the right stream for your situation.
Employers must demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts to find qualified Canadians or permanent residents before hiring a temporary foreign worker. This typically includes advertising the position according to program requirements and documenting recruitment activities. Employers must also meet business legitimacy criteria and provide supporting documentation showing the job offer and organization are legitimate.
The Global Talent Stream is a specialized LMIA category designed for employers seeking to hire highly skilled workers in in-demand occupations. It offers expedited processing for qualifying positions and employers. Cohen Visa advises on whether your position and organization qualify for this stream.
Processing times vary by stream. The Global Talent Stream offers expedited processing, while standard streams may take longer. Cohen Visa advises on strategy, documentation, and compliance to support efficient LMIA applications.
Required documentation typically includes proof of recruitment efforts, business legitimacy documents, job offer details, wage information, and supporting evidence that the position meets program requirements. Cohen Visa advises employers on documentation and compliance obligations to support successful LMIA applications.