LMIA · Employer guide
LMIA applications in Canada
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the federal document many Canadian employers need before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. This guide walks through every LMIA stream, the rules in each province and territory, and the exact employer document checklist that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews.
LMIA streams
By province & territory
How Lexova automates this
Guided LMIA wizard
A bilingual, stream-aware wizard collects every field Service Canada needs — no blank forms.
Dynamic document checklist
The exact employer document list builds itself from the stream and the case — nothing missed, nothing irrelevant.
Everyone in sync
Employer, client, agent and firm share one live case with ball-in-court tracking and reminders.
Frequently asked questions
What is an LMIA?+
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document a Canadian employer may need from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire a temporary foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows there is a need for the worker and that no Canadian or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Which LMIA stream do I need?+
It depends on the wage and the type of work: high-wage, low-wage, Global Talent Stream, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), or the agricultural stream. Each has its own rules — see the individual stream guides.
Does Lexova file the LMIA for me?+
Lexova is software used by licensed immigration professionals (RCICs and lawyers) to prepare and manage LMIA and IRCC filings — it structures the application, builds the document checklist, and keeps every party in sync. The professional remains responsible for the submission and advice.
This page is general information about Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program and LMIA process — it is not legal or immigration advice. Program rules, fees, wage thresholds and provincial requirements change; always verify the current requirements on Canada.ca (ESDC / IRCC) or with a licensed immigration professional (RCIC or lawyer).