Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The LMIA process is designed to protect the Canadian labor market. The government makes sure that foreign workers are only hired when no qualified Canadians are available for the position by requiring employers to get an LMIA. This keeps wages and working conditions equitable across the nation.

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1) The Stream for Higher-Skilled Occupations — High-Wage Workers
2) The Stream for Higher-Skilled Occupations — Low-Wage Workers
3) The Stream for Lower-Skilled Occupations — High-Wage Workers
4) The Stream for Lower-Skilled Occupations — Low-Wage Workers

What is a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA?
What is a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA?

according to Canada.ca website.

Province/territoryMedian hourly wages as of April 2, 2024Median hourly wages before April 2, 2024
Alberta$29.50$28.85
British Columbia$28.85$27.50
Manitoba$25.00$23.94
New Brunswick$24.04$23.00
Newfoundland and Labrador$26.00$25.00
Northwest Territories$39.24$38.00
Nova Scotia$24.00$22.97
Nunavut$35.00$35.90
Ontario$28.39$27.00
Prince Edward Island$24.00$22.50
Quebec$27.47$26.00
Saskatchewan$27.00$26.22
Yukon$36.00$35.00

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Canadian employers need to be able to apply for an LMIA if they are:

In order for foreign employees to qualify for an LMIA:

  • International Agreements: Employees who are protected by accords such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) might not require an LMIA.
  • Intra-Company Transfers ICT: Employees being transferred within a company from a foreign branch to a Canadian branch may not require an LMIA.
  • Reciprocal work: Employees who take part in programmes like International Experience Canada (IEC), which provide chances for reciprocal work, may also be excluded.
  • Quebec-Specific Rules: In Quebec, certain workers with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) may be exempt from the LMIA requirement.

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