LMIA employer services for Canadian employers
Job Bank to ESDC - and work permit support after a positive LMIA
End-to-end LMIA management: Job Bank advertising, ESDC application preparation and submission, and work permit support. High-wage, low-wage, agricultural, caregiver, and Global Talent Stream. 2,000+ LMIAs filed.
Streams we handle
- High-wage & low-wage
- Agricultural (seasonal & year-round)
- Caregiver (Home Child Care / Support)
- Global Talent Stream (~2 weeks)
What Employers Need to Know About LMIA
A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is required before most employer-specific work permits can be issued. You must demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts and that the job offer meets wage and working condition standards.
Our team's HGT Division manages the full process - from Job Bank advertising and recruitment documentation to ESDC submission and work permit support - so you can focus on your business.
At a glance
- 2,000+ LMIAs filed across all streams
- Job Bank & recruitment compliance built in
- One dedicated case manager per file
- Work permit support after positive LMIA
LMIA Streams We Handle
Every stream has different requirements and timelines. We help you choose and execute the right one.
High-Wage LMIA
Wage at or above provincial median; transition plan required.
ESDC fee: $1,000/position
Low-Wage LMIA
Wage below median; cap on low-wage positions per workplace.
ESDC fee: $1,000/position
Agricultural
Seasonal and year-round farm workers; some fee exemptions.
ESDC fee: Varies
Caregiver
Home Child Care and Home Support Worker pilots.
ESDC fee: $1,000/position
How We Manages Your LMIA
A clear, step-by-step process from first consultation to work permit.
Job posting & advertising
Minimum 4-week Job Bank + other channels; we guide content and genuine recruitment.
Recruitment documentation
Document efforts and results per ESDC requirements.
Application preparation
Complete LMIA package, supporting documents, wage analysis.
ESDC submission & follow-up
We submit and handle all ESDC correspondence.
Work permit support
After positive LMIA, we support the worker's work permit application.
Advertising Requirements
ESDC requires the job to be advertised for a minimum of 4 weeks (for most streams) with specific content: job title, duties, wage, location. Recruitment must be genuine. We ensures your advertising meets ESDC standards to avoid refusals.
Processing Times by Stream
Global Talent Stream: about 2 weeks. Standard high- and low-wage: several weeks to a few months depending on region. Agricultural: often seasonal. We provide current ESDC estimates at consultation.
Did you know?
After a positive LMIA, you must comply with the wage and working conditions offered and keep records for 6 years. ESDC can inspect at any time. Non-compliance can result in bans and fines. We help you stay compliant - see our Employer Compliance page.
Retain workers through PR
We also support employer-driven provincial nomination (PNP): OINP, Nova Scotia ERC, AIP, RCIP, BC PNP, Saskatchewan JAL, Newfoundland & Labrador, Alberta. See our PNP Employer Support page.
PNP Employer Support →LMIA Refused? We Can Help
We analyze refusal reasons, request ESDC notes to identify exact grounds, and build a stronger reapplication or reconsideration. We can also advise on LMIA-exempt options (e.g. Global Talent Stream, CUSMA) where appropriate.
Not sure which LMIA stream is right for you?
Book a free employer consultation - we'll assess your hiring need and recommend the right path.
Book Employer Consultation →LMIA FAQ
Common questions about Labour Market Impact Assessments for Canadian employers.
How long does an LMIA take in 2025?▼
Global Talent Stream targets about 2 weeks. Standard high-wage and low-wage streams typically take several weeks to a few months depending on region and stream. Agricultural timing can be seasonal. We provide current ESDC estimates at consultation.
What are the advertising requirements for LMIA?▼
Employers must advertise the position for a minimum period (typically 4 weeks) through Job Bank and other channels, and document recruitment efforts. Ads must meet ESDC content and format requirements. We guide you through this step.
How much does an LMIA cost?▼
ESDC charges $1,000 per position for most LMIA streams (agricultural streams may be exempt). Our team's professional fees are separate and quoted at consultation.
What happens if my LMIA is refused?▼
We review the refusal, requests ESDC notes to identify exact grounds, and can prepare a stronger reapplication or reconsideration request. We also advise on LMIA-exempt options (e.g. GTS, CUSMA) where appropriate.
What are my compliance obligations after a positive LMIA?▼
You must pay the wage offered, provide the working conditions stated in the LMIA, and keep records for 6 years. ESDC can inspect at any time. Non-compliance can result in bans and fines. We help you stay compliant - see our Employer Compliance page.
Ready to Start Your LMIA?
Book a consultation with Our team's HGT Division - we'll assess your hiring need and recommend the right stream.
All employer services · Global Talent Stream · Employer Compliance · LMIA Refusal · PNP Employer Support