Can an employer get one LMIA to hire multiple foreign workers?

Yes, in some cases an employer can request authorization to hire more than one foreign worker in the same LMIA application, provided the positions are identical (same occupation, same wage, same location, same conditions). Service Canada allows employers to include multiple positions in a single LMIA application if all positions are the same.

Each position in the LMIA application requires a separate fee payment. If the application is for, say, three identical roles, the employer pays the fee three times — once per position.

A positive LMIA for multiple identical positions produces one document that covers all of them, with the number of authorized positions specified. Each foreign worker hired then references this LMIA and the same confirmation number when applying for their work permit.

If the positions differ in any significant respect — different wage, different duties, different location — they must be covered by separate LMIA applications.

Employers planning large-scale hiring of foreign workers should also factor in the potential cap on low-wage workers (if applicable), and the overall volume of documentation required to demonstrate recruitment efforts for each position category.