LMIA-based work permit
We did not confirm an open, paused or closed status on a government page on this date. Check IRCC before you apply. Last looked at November 9, 2026: IRCC’s page.
An LMIA-based work permit lets a foreign national work for a specific Canadian employer after the employer obtains a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. It is for workers with a genuine job offer where the employer has shown that hiring them is likely to have a neutral or positive effect on the labour market.
Who is eligible
- A job offer from an employer with a positive LMIA (IRPR s 200(1)(c)(iii) and s 203(1)).
- The offer must be genuine and the employment likely to have a neutral or positive labour-market effect (IRPR s 203(1)(a)–(b)).
- The officer must be satisfied you will leave at the end of your authorized stay (IRPR s 200(1)(b)), and you must be admissible.
Steps
- The employer applies to ESDC for an LMIA.
- With the positive LMIA and job offer, you apply to IRCC for a work permit.
- The permit names the employer, occupation and location — working outside those terms is unauthorized work.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Copy of the LMIA and the job offer or contract.
- Proof you meet the job’s requirements.
- Passport and identity documents.
What the law says
“has been offered employment, and an officer has made a positive determination under paragraphs 203(1)(a) to (g)”
An officer issues a work permit when you have a job offer and a positive determination under s 203.
“the employment of the foreign national is likely to have a neutral or positive effect on the labour market in Canada”
The LMIA tests: genuine offer, neutral or positive labour-market effect.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
- ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign worker (LMIA)
- IRCC: Work permits
- IRCC fee list (current fees)
- IRCC processing times (live)
Common mistakes
- Paying an employer or recruiter for an LMIA. Ask ESDC and IRCC how to report it.
- Starting work for a different employer on an employer-specific permit.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the LMIA — me or my employer?
The employer applies to ESDC. You use the result to apply to IRCC for the work permit.
Policy analysis
- Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: what changed, and what it means if you’re already here
The 2027–2029 plan holds permanent admissions at 380,000 a year and new temporary arrivals at 370,000, and adds a one-time 2027 measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada.
Related streams
- Intra-company transfer Check IRCC
Work permits for employees moved to a Canadian branch, parent, subsidiary or affiliate of their employer.
- Open work permits (including spousal) Check IRCC
Work permits not tied to one employer — who can get one, including spouses in Canada.
- Canadian Experience Class Invitation-only
Permanent residence for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.