Whether it's a single high-wage hire or a seasonal agricultural crew, the LMIA process runs on documented recruitment, defensible wage benchmarking, and compliance records employers can produce years later on demand.
The right service is more than a checklist. It is a sequence that turns your facts into a coherent, review-ready pathway.
Diagnose
Start with the facts, goals, history and deadlines that shape the route.
Build
Organize evidence, explanations and forms around the decision-makerβs concern.
Protect
Keep ownership, communication and the next deadline visible from start to finish.
A visual route guide
See the pathway in context
Every file has a human story behind it. These moments reflect the preparation, decisions and new beginnings that shape this service.
01The workforce
A well-matched workforce helps both people and businesses move ahead.
02Specialized talent
Bring the right expertise to the work that needs it most.
03A stronger team
The right people in the right roles create momentum that lasts.
04Compliance
Confidence comes from knowing the plan is built to stand up to scrutiny.
05Leadership
Move with confidence when the plan reflects the decisions ahead.
06Employer planning
A clear employer plan protects both the business and the people it needs.
07Partnership
The right support turns a complex process into a shared plan.
08Grow in Canada
Build a team and a future with room to grow.
What this service covers
Read the detail, then choose the next step
Use the guide below to understand the route before you book. Your existing page content remains the source of truth; this surface gives it the same visual hierarchy as the reference homepage.
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
02
Common LMIA Refusal Grounds
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
03
Frequently Asked Questions
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
04
Related Pages
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
Your service guide
The details that move the file forward
Review the complete guide below, then use the consultation path when your situation needs a tailored strategy.
Whether it's a single high-wage hire or a seasonal agricultural crew, the LMIA process runs on documented recruitment, defensible wage benchmarking, and compliance records employers can produce years later on demand.
Key figures at a glance
Source sequence preserved
5LMIA streams
~2wks Global Talent Stream target
6yrs Record-keeping duty
$1,000Typical fee per position
LMIA Streams
Technical reference
Technical reference
Eligibility and pathway detail
Official data
Stream
Best for
Typical processing
High-wage
Roles at or above the provincial median wage
2β4 months
Low-wage
Roles below median wage; requires a transition plan
2β4 months
Global Talent Stream
Category A (in-demand tech) & Category B (specialized talent)
~2 weeks target
Agricultural
Seasonal and year-round farm labour, incl. SAWP
Seasonal, varies
Caregiver
Home support, child care, senior care roles
2β4 months
Presented in the supplied source sequenceReviewed 2026
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One teamEmployer and applicant decisions move more smoothly when responsibilities are visible from the start.
Common LMIA Refusal Grounds
Technical reference
Technical reference
Eligibility and pathway detail
Official data
Ground
How it's avoided
Insufficient recruitment
Genuine, complete Job Bank posting and documented recruitment steps before submission
Below-median wage
Wage benchmarked against the correct NOC code and current provincial median
Weak labour market case
Documented business case for hiring abroad, not assumed β especially for low-wage stream
Presented in the supplied source sequenceReviewed 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need an LMIA for every foreign hire?+
No. Intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, and certain International Mobility Program categories are LMIA-exempt β this is assessed before recommending the LMIA route.
What are our ongoing obligations after a positive LMIA?+
Employers must pay the stated wage and provide the stated conditions, and keep supporting records for six years. ESDC can inspect at any time; non-compliance can lead to fines or a program ban.
How much does an LMIA cost?+
ESDC charges a government processing fee per position for most streams (agricultural streams are generally exempt). Professional service fees are quoted separately based on stream and complexity.
Review togetherA shared review helps separate the key evidence from the documents that do not move the decision forward.