What is LMIA? The Golden Key to Finding a Job and Getting a Work Permit in Canada

So, you’ve received that dream job offer from Canada? But are you sure this offer is enough to actually get you there? This is where the most critical—and often most misunderstood—concept of the Canadian immigration system comes into play: The LMIA.

Hello, I am Murat Kandemir. At Academy Canada, we have guided hundreds of clients on their journey to realizing their Canadian dreams. For those wishing to move to Canada as workers, the biggest, sometimes most intimidating, but absolutely necessary step is undoubtedly the LMIA process.

Amidst the information pollution on the internet, if you are asking, "I found a job, can I get a visa immediately?", this guide is for you. Let’s dive deep into what an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is, why employers are required to get it, and how you can make your job search strategic.

What is an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)?
Let's start with the technical definition: LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain from the Canadian government (specifically ESDC - Employment and Social Development Canada) before hiring a foreign worker (that’s you).

Do not think of this as a "visa." The LMIA is a document obtained by the employer, not the employee.

The Canadian government is very strict about protecting the employment rights of its own citizens and permanent residents. Essentially, the government asks the employer: "Why aren't you hiring a Canadian for this position? Why do you need to bring someone from abroad? What will be the impact of this foreign worker on the Canadian economy?"

If ESDC reviews the employer's application and determines that hiring the foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labour market, they issue a "Positive LMIA" (Confirmation Letter). This letter is the golden key you need to apply for your Work Permit.

Why Must Employers Obtain an LMIA?
Many of my clients ask, "Mr. Kandemir, the employer really wants me, why can't I just go?" The answer is simple: Canada Puts Its Own Citizens First.

The fundamental rule of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is this: Before hiring a foreigner, an employer must prove that they have done everything possible to find a qualified Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) to do the job. If an employer hires you without an LMIA (barring specific exemption programs), it is considered illegal employment.

The Challenging Process: The Employer's Burden of Proof
It is not enough for an employer to simply say, "I want to hire Murat." Behind the scenes, the employer must pass a serious examination. Understanding the rigorous steps an employer must go through to get a Positive LMIA will help you understand why some employers are hesitant to sponsor foreign workers.

The employer must flawlessly complete the following steps:
1. Mandatory Advertising
The employer is required to advertise the position on the Government of Canada’s official job site, Job Bank, and other nationally recognized media for at least 4 consecutive weeks. These ads must meet the prevailing wage standards for that specific region and occupation, and must be open to Canadians.

2. Proving "No Canadian Was Found"
Just posting an ad isn't enough. The employer must report, one by one, why they did not interview the Canadian candidates who applied, or why they did not hire them if they were interviewed.

• "This candidate applied, but their English level was insufficient."
• "This candidate came for an interview, but lacked the specific technical experience required."

The employer must send this message to the government: "Look, I tried. I posted ads, I conducted interviews, but I couldn't find a Canadian capable of doing this job. However, this candidate applying from abroad has exactly the qualifications I am looking for."

3. Business Plan and Economic Benefit
The employer must also commit that hiring this foreign worker will contribute to the Canadian economy (e.g., transferring knowledge to Canadian staff or helping the company grow to create more jobs for Canadians in the future).
This process requires both time (averaging 2-4 months) and money (government processing fees) from the employer. Therefore, only employers who truly need you and trust your qualifications will embark on this journey.

Common Myths: Not Every Job Offer Means a Visa!
As Academy Canada, one of the most common disappointments we encounter stems from invalid job offers. Misinformation circulating online about Canadian immigration unfortunately causes many people to lose time and money.

Here are the facts versus the myths about LMIA:
MYTH 1: "I got a job offer letter from Canada; I can pack my bags tomorrow." FACT: A Job Offer Letter alone does not give you the right to a work permit. Unless your job offer falls under a specific LMIA-exempt category (such as Intra-Company Transferees or certain Free Trade Agreements), that offer must be supported by an approved LMIA document. A work permit application made with a standard offer letter lacking an LMIA number will be rejected 99% of the time.

MYTH 2: "Any company can sponsor me." FACT: Theoretically yes, but practically no. The government examines the company’s financial status, tax history, and the genuineness of the job. It is very difficult for newly established companies, companies with unstable financial records, or companies that exist only as virtual offices to get LMIA approval.

MYTH 3: "If I pay the LMIA fee, the employer will agree." FACT: This is strictly ILLEGAL. According to Canadian law, the employer must cover the LMIA application fee and related recruitment costs entirely. It is a crime for an employer to demand this cost from you or deduct it from your salary. If you encounter such a proposal, you may be facing a scam attempt.

Strategic Advice: How to Spot "LMIA Supported" Jobs?
So, how do you find that right employer who will provide you with an LMIA while sitting at your computer abroad? Here is my advice as an immigration expert:

1. Use Filters on Job Bank Canada
The Canadian government's official site, Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), is the most reliable source. However, not every ad you see there is for foreigners. You must use this filter when searching:

• Go to "Advanced Search."
• Under the "Intended for" section, select "Canadians and international candidates." This filter is a sign that the employer is already familiar with the LMIA process or is open to hiring foreign workers.

2. Look for "LMIA Pending" or "LMIA Approved" Phrases
Some employers may have obtained a "Pre-approved LMIA" for urgent needs. These ads are gold. Look for phrases like "LMIA available" or "Sponsorship available for the right candidate" in the job descriptions.

3. Make Your Qualifications "Niche"
It is difficult for an employer to get an LMIA for a general administrative assistant or a standard sales associate, because it is easy to find a Canadian to do these jobs. However, if you are in specialized fields like engineering, healthcare, tech, or skilled trades where Canada has a serious shortage (electricians, welders, truck drivers, etc.), your chances are much higher. Highlight the skills in your CV that are hard to find in a local Canadian candidate.

4. Transparency and Professional Support
When you reach the interview stage, be honest about your status: "I do not currently have a work permit. Does your company have experience with the LMIA process for foreign workers?" This question demonstrates your professionalism and prevents you from wasting time.

The Doors to Canada Can Open with the Right Strategy
The LMIA process may seem complex and intimidating at first glance. However, this system is simply Canada's method of selecting a qualified workforce. If you possess the right skills and search for a job with the right strategy, this process is not an insurmountable obstacle, but merely a procedural step.

Remember, working in Canada is not just about finding a job; it is about building your future. Applications made with wrong information, hearsay advice, or illegal methods can close the doors of Canada to you forever.

At Academy Canada, rather than finding the job for you, we are here to verify the immigration compliance of the job you have found and to manage your work permit application in the most accurate way. If you have received a job offer and are unsure of its legal validity, do not risk your process.

On the road to your Canadian dream, Murat Kandemir and our expert team are always ready to be your guide. You can contact us via our website for your questions and professional consulting requests.

Murat Kandemir 9 January 2026