LMIA work permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

The employer first gets a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The worker then applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit. The wage decides the stream: at or above the provincial median wage is high-wage, below is low-wage.

OpenOpen. Some low-wage jobs in cities with unemployment of 6% or more can be refused (list updated every 3 months by ESDC).

Step-by-step checklist

0 of 5 done

1. Employer applies for the LMIAWhat to expect: The employer signs in to LMIA Online with a Job Bank for Employers account, fills out the application, uploads documents and pays the fee.
2. ESDC decidesWhat to expect: Processing time depends on the stream. ESDC’s September 2026 times: high-wage about 98 business days, low-wage about 82.
3. Employer sends you the documentsWhat to expect: With a positive LMIA, the employer sends you a copy of the LMIA letter and the signed employment contract. A positive LMIA is valid for up to 6 months.
4. You apply for the work permitWhat to expect: Apply to IRCC with the LMIA letter and contract, pay the fees and give biometrics.
5. Arrive in CanadaWhat to expect: The border officer issues the permit. It names your employer, job and location.

Documents you usually need

Copy of the positive LMIA letter
Signed employment contract
Passport
Documents your local visa office asks for

Government fees

CAD

LMIA processing fee (paid by the employer, per position; can’t be charged to the worker)	$1,000
Work permit	$155
Biometrics (one person)	$85

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

The permit only lets you work for the employer, job and place it names.
Never pay anyone for a job offer or an LMIA. That is illegal and a common scam.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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