A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer must get before recruiting an international worker.

  • A positive LMIA will indicate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. It will also point out that there is no worker or permanent resident in Canada to do the job. A positive LMIA can, in certain cases, be considered a confirmation letter.
  • Employers who need an LMIA have to apply for one.
  • Once the LMIA is obtained by an employer, the worker is allowed to apply for a work permit.

To be eligible to apply for a work permit, a worker must get:

  • A job offer letter
  • A contract
  • A copy of the LMIA, and
  • The LMIA number