5 stars
22 Combined Years of Canadian Business Immigration Experience | phone +1 416 895 3026

Navigating the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application process can seem daunting for the first time. We know it – we have been there at some point as well. This is why we have prepared this guideline for you to follow to ensure success with your first LMIA application.

Step 1: Choose the Right LMIA

We categorize LMIA streams into 4 categories – each with slightly different criteria. You must identify the correct stream for your needs:

  1. Global Talent Stream
    • For IT, engineering, or highly unique and specialized talent
  2. Agricultural Stream
    • For professionals with an agricultural background
  3. High Wage
  4. Low Wage
    • For professionals from any industry who are being paid below the provincial median wage
    • Be aware of the cap limit for Canadian employers hiring certain occupations.

If you are not sure which stream to choose, book a call with us, and we will help you.

Step 2: Recruitment Period

Does your selected LMIA steam ask you to recruit for the position before you can apply?

If you are applying under the Global Talent Stream or Agricultural Stream (until June 30, 2025), you are not required to recruit and can proceed with the direct application for an LMIA.

If you are applying under High Wage or Low Wage, you will need to conduct active recruitment efforts for four weeks before you can submit the LMIA application.

ESDC has very specific recruitment requirements, so check out the video below, where Yulia Kan and Rakhmad Sobirov discuss these application processes in detail or read our in-depth material about High-Wage or Low-Wage LMIAs.

Step 3: Mandatory Documents

All first-time LMIA applications must include mandatory documents outlined by ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada, the government body that processes LMIA applications).

ESDC-preferred documents are:

  1. CRA-issued T2 Schedule 100 and 125
  2. CRA-issued most recent PD7A
  3. T4 Summary of Remuneration Paid

A partner referral form is also mandatory if you are applying for Category A under the Global Talent Stream.

If you are applying under High-Wage or Low-Wage, copies of advertisements or recruitment efforts will be mandatory as well.

Step 4: Job Bank and LMIA Portal Registration

To submit the LMIA application, you must have a valid Job Bank Employer account. Once you have a valid account with Job Bank, you can use the same credentials to log into the LMIA portal.

The LMIA portal is relatively easy to use and navigate. You will need to find an option to create a new LMIA application, and then the system will automatically direct you to complete an online LMIA application form.

Step 5: Completing and Submitting the LMIA Application

The form will progress as you answer prompted questions until the very end. Answer all questions accurately and truthfully.

Once you reach the end of the form, take a screenshot of the completed form with your answers for your records.

The next step is to upload the documents outlined in Step 3 and any other supporting documents you want to submit for the officer’s review.

Other supporting documents could be:

  • Copies of advertisements in case of a High Wage or Low Wage LMIA application (this is mandatory).
  • Recruitment efforts and summary.
  • Online publications of Canadian company of releasing a specialized product for which the foreign worker is hired because of their skill set.
  • Explanation letter if there is any mismatched information on the documents. For example, when companies undergo rebranding, the business name used in CRA records is no longer the same as the new business operating name.
  • Any other document you may think of that would support your request for the LMIA application.

Once the documents are uploaded, go to the attestation page to digitally sign and submit the application.

Step 6: What Happens Next?

After you apply, you will receive an email asking you to make the mandatory application fee payment of $1,000 on the LMIA platform.

Once the payment is completed, the application will be sent to the queue for the officer’s review.

If you applied for Global Talent Stream, you will have an online meeting with an officer to discuss the labour market benefit plan before the application can be finalized.

If you applied for other streams, the officer will most likely email you with questions and, once satisfied, finalize the application. Sometimes, they schedule a meeting instead of sending an email—it always varies from case to case.

In terms of approximate application processing times:

  • 2 weeks for the Global Talent Stream
  • 2~3 months for High Wage or Low Wage
  • 3 weeks for Agricultural Stream

Expert Legal Assistance for Your LMIA Application

Navigating the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application process can be complex and time-consuming. At Sobirovs Law Firm, we understand your challenges, and our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re applying through the Global Talent Stream, Agricultural Stream, High Wage, or Low Wage categories, our tailored legal support ensures your application meets all requirements and increases your chances of success. Book a consultation with us today and let our dedicated professionals help you achieve your business goals easily and confidently.

Bringing You, Your Talent &
Your Business To Canada

Get started and make your first step towards Canada. Book your 1-hour strategy meeting with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.

Immigration to Canada can be very complicated for businesses, business owners, and foreign employees. Hiring business immigration lawyers with the skill, experience, and patience is often crucial to successfully navigating this complex process. The experienced professionals at Sobirovs Law Firm offer tailored legal services in all business and corporate immigration matters. Contact us for more information on how we can help you meet your immigration needs.

We have worked with & represented clients from all walks of life. Always just one call – or click – away, weʼre happy to help you begin your & your familyʼs journey to Canada.

Talk to a Lawyer

Our Clients Say…

Tried & Tested

Our Lastest Insights

We publish helpful tips about Canadian immigration programs and are happy to share our knowledge with you.
Entrepreneur puts flags of Pakistan and Canada on negotiating table in office October 11, 2024

Pakistani Entrepreneur’s Success Story: Overcoming Visa Refusal to Launch Canadian Business with C11 Work Permit

Are you an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Canada or invest in a promising opportunity? How do you accomplish this and make your...
October 1, 2024

A Huge Congratulations to the Sobirovs Law Firm team—Past and Present!

We are incredibly proud to announce that the prestigious Chambers and Partners has recognized Sobirovs Law Firm! This monumental achievement reflects the hard work, dedication,...
September 17, 2024

Navigating Canadian Immigration: A Success Story for Arts Professionals

If you're an artist or cultural professional dreaming of establishing yourself in Canada, our clients' journey from Hungary can inspire you. This success story showcases...
how to immigrate to canada as a non tech professional September 16, 2024

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Non Tech Professional

Many of you who want to start a non-technology business in Canada may believe that the Start Up Visa program (SUV) is your only immigration...
August 27, 2024

From Pakistan to Canada: PR Through Business Immigration in 20 months

In August 2024, our Client (a Pakistani national) and her family were granted permanent residency in Canada. Their journey to Canadian permanent residency, starting in...
August 14, 2024

What Canadian Employers Need to Know About the Upcoming Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Understanding the Recent Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program The Canadian government has introduced significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program...

Sign Up To Be

The First in Canadian Business Immigration News

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.