LMIA services for employers hiring temporary foreign workers
For businesses in Brampton and across Peel Region, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program can fill roles that won't fill locally, but it comes with recruitment rules, wage rules and inspections years after approval. Star Immigration prepares Labour Market Impact Assessments that hold up long after the positive decision.
What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that lets an employer hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms there's a need for the worker and that no Canadian or permanent resident is available. The worker then uses it to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
Employer applies
Only the employer can apply; workers can't.
Recruitment first
Most streams require four weeks of advertising.
Wage-based streams
High-wage and low-wage streams have different rules.
Ongoing obligations
Conditions apply for the whole period of employment.
Employer eligibility for an LMIA
Legitimate business
An active business providing goods or services in Canada, with a CRA business number.
Genuine job offer
A real, full-time need consistent with your business activities.
Prevailing wage
A wage at or above the median for the occupation and region.
Recruitment efforts
Advertising on Job Bank and at least two other methods, targeting Canadians first.
Compliance history
No unresolved violations or bans under the TFW Program.
Location eligibility
Low-wage LMIAs aren't processed in some regions with high unemployment.
LMIA streams for Canadian employers
| LMIA stream | When it applies | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| High-wage LMIA | Wage at or above the provincial high-wage threshold | Transition plan |
| Low-wage LMIA | Wage below the threshold | Cap on low-wage TFWs; regional refusal-to-process list |
| Global Talent Stream | In-demand tech roles or designated partner referral | Labour Market Benefits Plan; faster service |
| Agricultural stream / SAWP | Primary on-farm agriculture | Specific wage and housing rules |
| PR-only (dual intent) LMIA | Supporting a worker's permanent residence | No processing fee |
LMIA document checklist
- LMIA application form for the stream
- Business legitimacy documents: CRA business number, T4 summary, financial statements
- Job offer and detailed job description
- Proof of recruitment: ads, dates, platforms and applicant tracking
- Transition plan (high-wage) or benefits plan (GTS)
- Proof of fee payment
Worker's documents
- Copy of the positive LMIA and job offer
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Language results if required
- Passport, police certificates and medical exam where needed
How to apply for an LMIA
Job and wage review
NOC, prevailing wage and stream.
Recruit for four weeks
Job Bank plus two other methods.
Apply to ESDC
With business documents and plans.
Officer interview
We prepare you.
Worker's permit
Your hire applies to IRCC.
Have a role you can't fill?
Tell us the job, wage and location. We'll tell you which LMIA stream applies.
Employer compliance after approval
ESDC and IRCC inspect employers, sometimes years later. Penalties range from warnings to fines and program bans.
- Pay at least the LMIA wage
- Keep duties, hours and location consistent
- Keep records for six years
- Provide workers' rights information
- Never recover LMIA costs from the worker
Hiring without an LMIA
Open permit holders
PGWP graduates, spouses and IEC participants.
Intra-company transfers
Managers or specialists from your affiliate.
Trade agreements
CUSMA, CETA and others via the Employer Portal.
Provincial streams
Nominate staff through OINP and other PNPs.
LMIA FAQs for employers
How long does an LMIA take?
From about two weeks for GTS to several months for other streams, plus advertising and the work permit.
Can I hire someone already in Canada?
Yes. Open permit holders need no LMIA; others need a new permit for you.
Can the worker pay the LMIA fee?
No. The employer must pay and can't recover it.
We've been selected for an inspection. Can you help?
Yes. Contact us as soon as you receive the notice.
Hire the right way, from the first job ad
Book an employer consultation in Brampton or by phone.