Canada LMIA Complete Guide
Based on 200,557 LMIA approvals across 96,406 employers from 2021Q1 to 2025Q3. This guide explains how LMIA works, what the data reveals, and how international workers can use it to make smarter decisions.
What is LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It demonstrates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. A positive LMIA means the employer is approved to hire internationally.
What the data covers
The ESDC publishes a list of employers who have received positive LMIAs each quarter. This is public data — but most people don't know how to use it. Our platform aggregates 19 quarters of records (2021Q1–2025Q3) to show hiring consistency, recency, and occupational focus.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total LMIA approvals | 200,557 |
| Unique employers | 96,406 |
| NOC codes covered | 930 |
| Positions approved | 550,904+ |
| Period | 2021Q1 – 2025Q3 |
Key LMIA streams
LMIA applications fall into different streams depending on the wage level and occupation.
| Stream | Wage requirement | Processing time | PR eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Wage | Above provincial median | 2–5 months | Yes (Express Entry) |
| Low Wage | Below provincial median | 2–5 months | Limited |
| Global Talent Stream | TEER 0–2 only | 2 weeks | Yes (Express Entry) |
| Primary Agriculture | Farm/seasonal work | Varies | Limited |
How to use employer LMIA data
Before targeting an employer, check three things: (1) Are they active in recent quarters (2025Q1+)? (2) Do they hire in your occupation (NOC code)? (3) How many quarters have they been consistently hiring? Employers active in 5 or more of the last 7 quarters are generally more reliable sponsors.
LMIA → Permanent Residency
A positive LMIA-based work permit can lead to PR through Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You need at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (TEER 0–3) within the last 3 years. High Wage and Global Talent Stream LMIAs are both Express Entry-eligible.
Important disclaimer
Past LMIA approvals do not guarantee future sponsorship. Employers may stop hiring internationally due to business changes, budget cuts, or policy shifts. Always confirm LMIA willingness directly with the employer's HR department before applying.