LMIA & Closed Work Permits — The Employer-Driven Pathway
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the most common route for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. Once approved, the LMIA supports a closed (employer-specific) work permit tying the worker to that employer, role, and location. Our RCIC team manages the LMIA from the employer side and the work permit from the worker side — keeping both ends compliant.
What an LMIA Actually Does
An LMIA is a government-issued document administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), not IRCC, confirming that a Canadian employer was unable to find a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill a position and is therefore authorized to hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA is typically submitted as part of a closed work permit application.
LMIA-supported work permits are employer-specific, meaning they are tied to one employer, one position, and one work location. Workers generally cannot change employers without obtaining a new LMIA-supported work permit. In addition to supporting temporary work authorization in Canada, an LMIA can also strengthen certain permanent residence pathways under Express Entry by supporting qualifying arranged employment.
High-Wage vs. Low-Wage stream
Within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), LMIAs split into high-wage and low-wage streams based on whether the wage offered is above or below the provincial median wage. Each has different recruitment, advertising, and compliance requirements — and recent IRCC policy changes have tightened low-wage LMIAs significantly.
Which LMIA Stream Applies?
High-Wage Stream
For positions paying at or above the provincial median wage. Requires transition plans, employer compliance, and full advertising compliance. Most common for skilled professionals.
Low-Wage Stream
For positions paying below the provincial median. Subject to caps on the proportion of foreign workers an employer can hire and to recent policy restrictions limiting eligibility for certain regions and sectors.
Global Talent Stream
An accelerated LMIA for high-skilled tech and STEM occupations, with a 2-week processing service standard. Requires employer designation and use of an approved Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Run a Compliant LMIA From Day One.
Whether you're a Canadian employer or a foreign worker, our RCIC team manages the full LMIA and closed work permit lifecycle — including compliance, recruitment, and downstream PR planning.
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