How does a Canadian employer apply for an LMIA?

An employer applies for an LMIA through Service Canada / Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The process is a federal one and the requirements apply the same way whether the position is in Ontario or any other province.

The application stream depends on the wage offered for the position. High-wage positions (at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage) and low-wage positions are assessed under different streams with different advertising and compliance requirements.

For most streams, employers must demonstrate that they advertised the position broadly — including on the Job Bank, Canada's national employment website — for a minimum number of weeks, and that they made reasonable efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents. They must provide records of all recruitment activities and explain why Canadian applicants were not hired.

Employers must also commit to paying the prevailing wage for the occupation and region, comply with workplace standards, and for low-wage positions, meet additional requirements such as arranging housing and paying transportation costs in some cases.

Processing times and fees apply and vary by stream. Once Service Canada issues a positive LMIA, the employer receives a confirmation number that the foreign worker includes in their work permit application to IRCC.