A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do it.
In late 2025, the government introduced several strict measures to curb the number of temporary residents, particularly in the low-wage stream.
As of June 27, 2025, the wage threshold that determines the “stream” you apply under has increased. This threshold is based on the median hourly wage of the province where the job is located.
| Province/Territory | High-Wage Threshold (per hour) |
| Alberta | $36.00 |
| British Columbia | $36.60 |
| Ontario | $36.00 |
| Quebec | $34.62 |
| Manitoba | $30.16 |
High-Wage Stream: If the offered wage is at or above this threshold. You must provide a “Transition Plan” showing how you intend to reduce your reliance on foreign workers over time.
Low-Wage Stream: If the offered wage is below this threshold.
New 6% Rule: IRCC will refuse to process low-wage LMIAs in any city (Census Metropolitan Area) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
Cap: Employers are limited to a 10% cap of their total workforce being low-wage foreign workers (20% for construction and healthcare).
Employers must prove they tried to hire Canadians first.
Duration: You must advertise for at least 4 consecutive weeks in the 3 months before applying.
Job Bank “Direct Apply”: Effective September 2025, it is mandatory to use the “Direct Apply” feature on the Canada Job Bank. You must keep records showing you reviewed and responded to every Canadian applicant who applied through this feature.
Targeting Groups: You must conduct at least two additional recruitment methods (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed) and target at least two underrepresented groups (e.g., Indigenous persons, youth, or newcomers).
| Stream | Processing Time (Estimated) | Fee (per position) |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 Business Days | $1,000 |
| Agricultural Stream | 14-16 Business Days | $1,000 (often exempt) |
| High-Wage Stream | 40-50 Business Days | $1,000 |
| Low-Wage Stream | 40-50 Business Days | $1,000 |
| PR Support only | 250+ Business Days | $0 |
Not all jobs require an LMIA. Common exemptions include:
Intra-Company Transferees: Managers or specialists moving within the same company.
CUSMA/Treaty Workers: Professionals from the US, Mexico, or countries with trade agreements.
Francophone Mobility: Skilled workers who speak French and are moving to a city outside of Quebec.
Significant Benefit: Roles that bring clear social or cultural benefits to Canada (e.g., high-level artists or researchers).
At HD Immigration Services, we are dedicated to opening doors and paving pathways for individuals and families to fulfill their Canadian dreams.
