Hiring Foreign Workers in Canada

Canada is a global destination for skilled talent, and hiring foreign workers is essential for many Canadian businesses. Employers wishing to hire a foreign worker must ensure compliance with immigration laws and verify that their employees have valid work permits. Different rules and requirements apply depending on the type and scope of work, duration of employment, country of citizenship, and other factors. Whether through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permits or LMIA-exempt options, there are pathways to help businesses secure the right talent while adhering to immigration regulations.

LMIA Work Permits

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job, and no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do so.

Requirements for LMIA

  • Employers must prove they have made efforts to recruit locally without success.
  • The LMIA application should demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
  • Workers need the following to apply for a work permit after an LMIA is approved:
  • A job offer letter
  • A signed employment contract
  • A copy of the approved LMIA
  • The LMIA number

LMIA-Exempt Offer of Employment

Some employers may not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign workers, as specific work permit categories allow for LMIA exemptions. These are typically based on international agreements (GATS, CETA), significant benefits to Canada, or reciprocal opportunities (Working Holiday visa, Young Professionals, and International Co-Op programs).
Being exempt from an LMIA does not mean the individual is exempt from obtaining a work permit.

Requirements for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

  • Employers must submit an offer of employment through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Employer Portal before the worker applies for a permit.
  • A fee must be paid to IRCC for submitting the offer of employment.
  • The worker must provide proof of the LMIA exemption, such as eligibility under international agreements, International Mobility Program, or intra-company transfers.
Hiring through LMIA-exempt pathways is an easier, faster, and cheaper solution and should always be considered before LMIA application.

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