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For Employers

LMIA support for employers hiring from abroad.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment confirms to ESDC that hiring a foreign worker won't negatively affect the Canadian labour market. The rules tightened in April 2026 — we help BC employers build applications that meet the new recruitment and documentation bar.

Processing Fee
$1,000
Per position, non-refundable
Low-Wage Advertising
8 weeks
New minimum as of April 1, 2026
High-Wage Processing
3 – 6 months
Global Talent Stream: as fast as 2 weeks
Low-Wage TFW Cap
10% – 20%
Of total workforce, depending on sector
High-Wage vs. Low-Wage

The wage threshold changes everything about your application.

Whether the offered wage sits above or below the provincial/territorial median for the occupation determines which set of rules — and how much extra documentation — applies.

High-Wage Positions

  • Wage at or above the provincial/territorial median for the occupation
  • Requires a Transition Plan showing how you'll reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers over time
  • Standard processing: 3–6 months; Global Talent Stream can be as fast as 2 weeks for eligible roles

Low-Wage Positions

  • Wage below the provincial/territorial median
  • As of April 2026, requires 8 consecutive weeks of advertising (up from 4) plus documented youth-targeted recruitment
  • Workforce caps of 10–20% on low-wage TFWs, depending on sector; BC rural employers get a temporary 15% cap through March 2027
  • Applications may be refused outright in metro areas with 6%+ unemployment for certain sectors (accommodation, food services, retail)
What Employers Must Show

The core requirements, regardless of stream.

BC-specific note: employers in British Columbia must also register with the provincial government before hiring a temporary foreign worker through an LMIA — a separate step from the federal application.
Our Process

From job posting to positive LMIA.

1

Wage Classification

We determine whether your position is high-wage or low-wage for its NOC code and location, which sets every downstream requirement.

2

Recruitment Campaign

We build a compliant advertising and recruitment plan — including the new 2026 youth-targeting requirement for low-wage roles — and document everything as we go.

3

Application Submission

We prepare your business legitimacy documents, transition plan (if high-wage), and full LMIA application for submission to ESDC.

4

Positive LMIA to Work Permit

Once approved, we hand the LMIA to your prospective employee so they can apply for their work permit — and stay available if ESDC follow-up or inspection arises.

Common Questions

LMIA FAQ

How early should we start the LMIA process?

You can apply up to 6 months before the intended start date, and given the new 8-week advertising minimum for low-wage roles, starting early is now more important than ever.

What if our LMIA is refused?

The $1,000 fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. We can help you understand the refusal reasons and decide whether to reapply with stronger evidence or explore an LMIA-exempt category instead.

Is there a faster option for highly skilled hires?

The Global Talent Stream offers 2-week processing for eligible roles, either through a designated referral partner or for occupations on the Global Talent occupations list. We can assess whether your hire qualifies.

Do we need an LMIA for every foreign hire?

No — some categories are exempt, including certain intra-company transfers and roles covered under international trade agreements like CUSMA. We confirm which category actually applies before recommending the LMIA route.

Related Pathways

What often follows an LMIA.

Get Started

Build an LMIA application that holds up to scrutiny.

A free consultation, no obligation — just a clear, honest read on your options.

Book a Free Consultation
Figures and program details reflect publicly available ESDC and IRCC information as of mid-2026 and are provided for general guidance only — not legal advice. Confirm current details with your consultant before relying on any number here.