LMIA · Employer guide

LMIA applications in Ontario

Canadian employers hiring in Ontario can use an LMIA to support a temporary foreign worker. The federal ESDC process is the same across Canada, but Ontario has its own considerations — summarized below — and each stream has a distinct document checklist.

No separate provincial employer registration in Ontario

There is no separate provincial employer registration to hire a temporary foreign worker in Ontario — the standard federal ESDC LMIA process applies. (British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia are the provinces that require their own employer registration.)

LMIA streams

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Frequently asked questions

Do employers need to register to hire a foreign worker in Ontario?+

There is no separate provincial employer registration to hire a temporary foreign worker in Ontario — the standard federal ESDC LMIA process applies. (British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia are the provinces that require their own employer registration.)

Which LMIA streams are available in Ontario?+

High-wage stream, Low-wage stream, Global Talent Stream, Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), Agricultural stream — each with its own requirements and document checklist.

Related guides

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).