What Is an LMIA, and Does My Employer Need One?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a decision from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that lets a Canadian employer hire a temporary foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows there's a need for the worker and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. Most employers need one before hiring a foreign worker on an employer-specific work permit, unless an exemption applies or the worker has an open work permit. For Express Entry, job offers no longer need an LMIA from November 3, 2026.
What is an LMIA?
An LMIA assesses whether hiring a temporary foreign worker will have a positive or negative effect on Canada's labour market. ESDC runs the program, processes employer applications and issues the decision letter. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
Who applies: the employer or the worker?
| Step | Who does it |
|---|---|
| Apply for the LMIA | The employer, to ESDC |
| Receive the decision letter (and Annex A, employment details) | The employer, who gives a copy to the worker |
| Apply for the work permit | The worker, to IRCC, using the job offer, contract and LMIA decision |
In Quebec, the worker also includes a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) with the positive decision.
When does an employer need an LMIA?
Most employers need a positive LMIA before hiring a temporary foreign worker. An employer doesn't need one when:
- The worker has an open work permit, such as a spousal open work permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- An LMIA exemption applies, for example under certain international agreements or other exemption categories. The employer must include the exemption code in the job offer.
What changed for Express Entry on November 3?
From November 3, 2026, a job offer no longer needs an LMIA to earn Express Entry points or to meet the job-offer requirement of the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs. Only offers in high-wage occupations earn points, and officers still check that the offer is genuine.
Important: this change is about permanent residence through Express Entry. If an employer is hiring someone on an employer-specific work permit, an LMIA is usually still needed unless an exemption applies. See how the new points work and how to add a job offer to your profile.
Waiting for an LMIA while your permit expires?
As of October 28, 2026, IRCC officers no longer refuse an in-Canada work permit application just because the employer's LMIA is taking longer than 90 days; they wait for the LMIA decision. If you applied to extend your permit before it expired, you can usually keep working under your current conditions in the meantime.
Beware of LMIA scams
- Never pay for an LMIA or a job offer. Treat any request for payment as a red flag.
- Be wary of anyone selling "guaranteed" LMIA jobs.
- Check that any paid immigration representative is licensed. Read about the new penalties for unauthorized representatives.
Common mistakes we see
- Assuming the Express Entry change removes LMIAs for work permits. It doesn't.
- Starting work before the permit is issued. A positive LMIA alone doesn't authorize work.
- Job details that don't match the LMIA. The job, wage and location should match the decision letter.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What is an LMIA in Canada?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a decision from ESDC that allows a Canadian employer to hire a temporary foreign worker, showing there's a need for the worker and no Canadian or permanent resident is available.
Who applies for an LMIA?
The employer applies to ESDC. Once approved, the worker uses the decision letter to apply for a work permit.
Do I need an LMIA if I have an open work permit?
No. An employer doesn't need an LMIA to hire someone who already holds an open work permit.
Do I need an LMIA for Express Entry after November 3, 2026?
No. From November 3, 2026, job offers no longer need an LMIA to count in Express Entry, though only high-wage occupations earn points.
Should I pay for an LMIA or a job offer?
No. You should never pay for an LMIA or a job offer. Treat any request for payment as a red flag, and get advice from a licensed representative.
Fact-checked: Based on the IRCC Help Centre answer What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?, IRCC's Who needs a labour market impact assessment page and IRCC's 2026 Express Entry changes page. The October 28, 2026 instruction change as reported by CIC News. Verified November 2, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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