Study & Work Permits · Community Thread

Are jobs that offer "LMIA support" legit? Is it legal to pay for an LMIA?

Be very careful. It is illegal in Canada to pay an employer or recruiter for an LMIA or a job offer — the employer must cover LMIA costs themselves. Ads selling "LMIA jobs" for thousands of dollars are a well-known scam pattern, and paying can put your own status and future applications at risk, not just the employer's. A genuine employer hires you for your skills, not your money. If an offer sounds like a purchase, walk away. See our Employer & LMIA Support page for how the process legitimately works.

Everything in this forum is general, educational information — not legal or case-specific immigration advice, and not a guarantee of any outcome. Rules change often; confirm on canada.ca or gov.uk. Case-specific advice is provided through an independent licensed RCIC. Browse all 150 questions on our FAQ page.

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