Study & Work Permits · Community Thread

What is an LMIA, and does my job offer need one for a work permit?

The Solution Hub TeamOfficial Answer
Updated July 2026

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document an employer gets from the Canadian government to show that hiring a foreign worker will not hurt the local job market. Many closed work permits need one, but there are LMIA-exempt streams too — for example, some international agreements, intra-company transfers, and open permits like the PGWP. Important: the employer must pay all LMIA costs. It is illegal for you to pay for an LMIA or a job offer. Learn more on our Employer & LMIA Support page.

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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