Wondering If You Need an LMIA Work Permit to Work in Canada?

If you’ve been offered a job in Canada and you’re not a permanent resident or citizen, you’re probably wondering what kind of permit you’ll need—and whether something called an LMIA applies to you.

The process can be tricky if you’re new to it. But don’t worry. Let’s unpack it in plain language.

First off—What Even Is an LMIA?

LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It’s not something a worker applies for. It’s actually a document that the employer needs to get—before you apply for a work permit.

Why? Because the Canadian government wants proof that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to do the job before it gets offered to someone outside the country. It’s their way of protecting the local workforce.

If the employer gets a positive LMIA, then you're clear to apply for a work permit linked to that job.

Do All Jobs in Canada Require an LMIA?

Not all. Some jobs fall under LMIA-exempt categories, like:

• People covered by international trade agreements
• Intra-company transferees
• Certain academic or research jobs
• Post-graduate work permit holders

But if your job isn’t under one of these special cases—and especially if it’s a low- or mid-skill role—then yes, you’ll probably need an LMIA-backed work permit.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Here’s the general order of how things play out:

1. The employer applies for an LMIA through Service Canada.
2. They wait. Processing times vary. Could be 3 weeks. Could be 3 months.
3. If approved, they receive a confirmation letter.
4. You use that LMIA approval letter to apply for your Canadian work permit.

It sounds straightforward, but it doesn’t always go smoothly. Employers mess up forms. Applicants choose the wrong job codes. Timing gets thrown off.

When Should You Get Legal Help?

If this process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many people look for help—especially when stakes are high or when time is tight.

An immigration lawyer North York based (or anywhere in the GTA) can:

• Review your job offer to make sure it qualifies
• Help the employer avoid common mistakes
• Make sure your application lines up with Canadian employment rules
• Let you know if you qualify for an exemption (and save time if you do)

For workers already in Canada—especially on study permits or visitor visas—talking to a lawyer becomes even more useful. The laws can shift depending on your situation.

Common Pitfalls People Run Into

Even small errors can ruin an application. Watch out for these:

• Wrong job classification (NOC) code
• Wages below regional averages
• Missing documents like proof of advertising by employer
• Trying to apply before the LMIA is approved

Also, many people assume the employer knows what they’re doing. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses have never done this before.

Is the LMIA System Fair?

It’s not perfect. Many qualified workers get stuck because employers don’t want the paperwork. Others apply too late. And sometimes, the delays cause people to miss out on jobs they already got offered.

Still, getting an LMIA work permit in Canada is possible—if the steps are followed carefully.

So What Should You Do?

If you’ve been offered a job and your employer is ready to support you through the process, that’s a great sign.

Take time to:

• Confirm if the position requires an LMIA
• Ask your employer if they’ve done this before
• Look up the NOC code for the role
• Gather documents early
• And if anything seems unclear, consider speaking to an immigration lawyer—especially if you're in or near North York

Remember, this isn’t just paperwork. It’s about building your path to living and working in Canada the right way.

FAQ – Real Quick

Q: Can I work while waiting for my LMIA to be approved? A: No. You’ll need to wait for the permit unless you already hold an open work permit.

Q: How long does LMIA approval take? A: Some applications are processed in a few weeks. Others take months. It depends on the job and the stream.

Q: What happens if my LMIA gets rejected? A: You’ll need to find a different employer or apply under an LMIA-exempt category—if one applies to your case.