LMIA Application – Sapra Immigration

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker when no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.

An approved LMIA confirms that the job offer will positively or neutrally impact Canada’s labour market — and it is usually a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we support employers across Canada in navigating the LMIA process from start to finish — whether for temporary workers or to support permanent residency.

When is an LMIA Required?

An LMIA is typically required when hiring a foreign national under an employer-specific work permit.

Some common use cases include:

Hiring cooks, food service supervisors, general laborers, cleaners, farm workers, truck drivers, caregivers, etc.
Filling skilled or semi-skilled positions where recruitment efforts did not yield suitable Canadian candidates
Applying for PR-Supportive LMIAs under the Express Entry system

LMIA Exemptions:

Some foreign workers may be LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program (IMP) — such as intra-company transfers, open work permits, or trade agreements. We help assess eligibility.

Types of LMIA Streams

Canada offers multiple LMIA streams to suit employer and worker needs:

✓ High-Wage Stream

For positions paying above the provincial median wage. These often support permanent residency (Express Entry).

✓ Low-Wage Stream

For roles paying below the median wage. Employers must meet specific requirements like transportation, housing, and return airfare in some sectors.

✓ PR Support LMIA

Supports skilled foreign workers applying under the Express Entry system (FSW, FST, CEC). Must meet eligibility for a valid job offer.

✓ Dual Intent LMIA

Used when hiring someone temporarily while they apply for PR. This helps support both a temporary work permit and PR at once.

✓ Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Priority processing for highly skilled tech or STEM roles (biotech, software, etc.) with a 2-week LMIA turnaround for qualified employers.

✓ Agricultural Stream & Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

For farms and agri-businesses hiring foreign workers during seasonal or year-round operations.

We help employers determine the correct stream based on role, wage level, and hiring goals.

LMIA Process – Step-by-Step for Employers

Determine Eligibility
Ensure your business is compliant, active, and capable of supporting a foreign hire. Gather corporate documents (e.g., CRA number, licenses).
Advertise the Job
Post the role for at least 4 consecutive weeks on Job Bank and two other platforms (depending on stream).
Document Recruitment Efforts
Show genuine attempts to hire Canadians, including interview notes and reasons for rejection.
Offer Job to Foreign Worker (or unnamed LMIA)
If no suitable candidate is found, prepare a compliant job offer (duties, wage, hours, location). Some LMIA streams allow unnamed applications.
Submit the LMIA Application to ESDC
Complete the proper application form and submit it online via the LMIA Employer Portal, with the required government fee ($1,000) per position (some agri-streams exempt).
ESDC Review
Officers may request clarifications or conduct an interview. Processing can take 2 to 10 weeks, depending on stream.
Receive LMIA Decision
A positive LMIA lets your candidate apply for a work permit or PR. A negative LMIA means the role must be reposted or reviewed.

How Sapra Immigration Helps Employers ?

At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we partner with Canadian employers to simplify and strengthen their LMIA process. Our services include:

Determining LMIA eligibility and best-fit stream
Writing compliant job ads and conducting recruitment checks
Preparing the full LMIA application with supporting documents
Responding to ESDC officer questions or interviews
Supporting the foreign worker’s subsequent work permit or PR application

We help employers avoid costly mistakes, delays, or refusals — all with the guidance of a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Common LMIA Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incomplete or vague job descriptions
❌ Missing proof of genuine recruitment efforts
❌ Underpaying wages below median or market rates
❌ Incorrect NOC codes or job titles
❌ Submitting without proper business documents
We ensure compliance, credibility, and clarity at every step.