A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a Confirmation letter.
All workers hired temporarily need an LMIA unless they are exempt. For instance, all workers hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program need LMIA before they can apply for a work permit under the program.
Notes:
  • LMIAs are issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
  • Applications for LMIA are submitted by the employer
  • Employers must bear the cost of the LMIA
  • There is a separate procedure for Low-Wage LMIAs and High-Wage LMIAs

LMIA Exemptions: The following categories do not require an LMIA if the conditions therein are met.