LMIA Application Process Explained: Step by Step Guide

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:

Global Talent Stream
- For IT, engineering, or highly unique and specialized talent
Agricultural Stream
- For professionals with an agricultural background
High Wage
- For professionals from any industry who are being paid above the provincial median wage
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.

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:

CRA-issued T2 Schedule 100 and 125
CRA-issued most recent PD7A
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.