Explore employment pathways with LMIA services in Ontario. Our LMIA application support helps employers and foreign workers with eligibility, recruitment requirements, application preparation and work permit planning.
Book a ConsultationTwo wage streams shape how an LMIA application is prepared. The LMIA wage criteria depend on whether the position sits at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, and each temporary foreign worker stream carries its own employer requirements.
A high wage LMIA applies to positions at or above the applicable median hourly wage. Employers take on specific obligations, which we help you prepare for from the start.
A low wage LMIA applies to positions below the applicable median hourly wage. Additional requirements may apply, so early planning keeps the application on track.
Employers must follow clear LMIA recruitment rules when preparing an application. These cover Job Bank advertising, a mandatory recruitment period, additional advertising methods and careful recruitment documentation.
Employer advertising obligations begin with Job Bank advertising in Canada. Employers must advertise the position on the Job Bank for at least 30 consecutive days before submitting the LMIA application, and the posting stays active through the LMIA decision stage.
Mandatory ComplianceMinimum recruitment duration expected across required channels.
Employers also use additional advertising methods alongside the Job Bank. These methods should reach underrepresented groups, including newcomers, youth, persons with disabilities and Indigenous communities.
Recruitment documentation forms a detailed record of Canadian applicants, recruitment efforts and reasons for rejection. It also shows why available local candidates could not fill the position.
Draft a contract aligned with prevailing wages and the correct NOC category.
Pay the CAD 1,000 processing fee per worker (unless exempt) and related recruitment costs.
Keep records for up to 6 years and remain ready for ESDC inspections on wages and conditions.
Service overview
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a process used to assess whether hiring a foreign worker affects the Canadian labour market. The LMIA meaning in Canada centres on employer hiring approval, based on a Canadian labour market assessment of the position.
Employers apply for an LMIA to show a genuine need for a foreign worker after they have made real efforts to recruit locally. The assessment looks at the job offer, wages and recruitment activity.
A positive LMIA supports the employer's hiring plan and the worker's next step. Eligible workers can then apply for an LMIA supported work permit, which links the approved job offer to their application.
Sawa Immigration helps you understand what LMIA Canada means for your hiring or work permit plan and prepares your application with a structured, compliant approach.
Benefits
An LMIA benefits both sides of the hiring process, giving employers a clear route to the talent they need and workers a path into Canadian employment.
Foreign worker recruitment in Canada gives employers access to skilled professionals from international talent pools.
LMIA can support businesses facing labour market shortages when local recruitment does not fill a role.
A positive LMIA supports an eligible worker's work permit application.
LMIA supported employment gives foreign workers Canadian work experience in their field.
Qualifying LMIA-based employment may support certain permanent residence pathways.
Employers can recruit workers with diverse skills and experience from around the world.
Application process
Understanding the LMIA application steps helps employers and workers prepare in the right order.
We confirm whether the role needs an LMIA, which sets the direction for the rest of the process.
We confirm whether the role needs an LMIA, which sets the direction for the rest of the process.
Employers complete the required recruitment and advertising and keep clear records.
Employers complete the required recruitment and advertising and keep clear records.
We prepare the file with the details that meet LMIA employer requirements, including job duties, wages and recruitment evidence.
We prepare the file with the details that meet LMIA employer requirements, including job duties, wages and recruitment evidence.
The employer takes the step to submit the LMIA application, and the Service Canada application goes forward for assessment.
The employer takes the step to submit the LMIA application, and the Service Canada application goes forward for assessment.
A positive decision confirms the employer's hiring approval for the position.
A positive decision confirms the employer's hiring approval for the position.
The worker applies for a work permit supported by the positive LMIA.
The worker applies for a work permit supported by the positive LMIA.
Once the permit is approved, the worker can begin the role in Canada.
Once the permit is approved, the worker can begin the role in Canada.
Eligibility
LMIA eligibility requirements apply to both employers and foreign workers before an LMIA-supported work permit can move forward.
Detailed information
LMIA streams vary by job type, industry and employer requirements, so the right stream depends on the position.
This stream covers positions at or above the median wage. Eligibility, wage requirements and employer obligations all apply.
This stream covers positions below the median wage. Wage criteria, employer requirements and specific conditions apply.
Agricultural LMIA Canada requirements cover employment conditions for agricultural workers.
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program supports temporary agricultural employment with its own seasonal worker requirements.
The Global Talent Stream Canada offers a route for specialised and high-demand occupations, with defined eligibility and requirements.
A caregiver LMIA applies to caregiver and home support roles, with its own eligibility and requirements.
Each stream has specific criteria and application requirements that must be followed carefully.
Processing times
LMIA processing time in Ontario depends on the stream, the details of each application and Service Canada workload.
The LMIA processing timeline in Canada varies between applications, because each file has its own details and workload conditions.
Different streams may move at different speeds, so application processing duration depends on the stream you choose.
Document completeness, recruitment efforts and employer compliance history all influence how Service Canada processing unfolds.
Documents required
Preparing the right paperwork early helps keep the file complete and organized. These LMIA document requirements help employers and workers prepare complete LMIA paperwork before submission.
Sawa Immigration ensures your LMIA documents checklist is complete and aligned with requirements.
Important considerations
Employers carry important responsibilities before and after submitting an LMIA application.
Clients rely on Sawa Immigration for clarity, compliance, and dependable support.
Employers must show genuine efforts to recruit Canadian workers before hiring from abroad.
Meeting prevailing wage standards for the industry and region is an important part of the application.
Employer compliance requirements include following LMIA rules and keeping accurate records.
An approved LMIA has a limited validity period, so LMIA validity affects the timing of the work permit application.
Qualifying LMIA-based employment may support long-term immigration planning, including permanent residence planning.
Why choose Sawa Immigration
Sawa Immigration brings a structured approach to LMIA applications for employers and foreign workers. As your LMIA consultant in Ontario, we offer LMIA application assistance, employer immigration support and work permit assistance from the first assessment to the final decision.
Clients rely on Sawa Immigration for clarity, compliance, and dependable support.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment shows that an employer needs to hire a foreign worker after trying to recruit locally.
The employer applies, and the foreign worker then uses the positive result for a work permit application.
Processing depends on the stream, the application details and Service Canada workload.
Costs depend on the application and related expenses, and we review your situation to outline what applies.
No, some work permits are LMIA-exempt, depending on the role and the applicable program.
Employers need an active Canadian business, a genuine job offer, wages aligned with industry standards and complete recruitment efforts.
Qualifying LMIA-based employment may support certain permanent residence pathways.
The worker applies for a work permit supported by the positive LMIA and can begin working once it is approved.
In some cases, an employer can request more than one position on a single LMIA, depending on the application.
An LMIA is the employer's approval to hire a foreign worker, while a work permit is the worker's authorization to work in Canada.
