Licensed Canadian immigration guidance

LMIA & Employer Immigration Services

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.

A sharper service plan

Built around the decision your file needs

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-maker’s concern.

Protect

Keep ownership, communication and the next deadline visible from start to finish.

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.

Talk through your file
  1. 01
    LMIA Streams

    Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.

  2. 02
    Common LMIA Refusal Grounds

    Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.

  3. 03
    Frequently Asked Questions

    Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.

  4. 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
StreamBest forTypical processing
High-wageRoles at or above the provincial median wage2–4 months
Low-wageRoles below median wage; requires a transition plan2–4 months
Global Talent StreamCategory A (in-demand tech) & Category B (specialized talent)~2 weeks target
AgriculturalSeasonal and year-round farm labour, incl. SAWPSeasonal, varies
CaregiverHome support, child care, senior care roles2–4 months
Presented in the supplied source sequenceReviewed 2026
Business team collaborating in a modern office
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
GroundHow it's avoided
Insufficient recruitmentGenuine, complete Job Bank posting and documented recruitment steps before submission
Below-median wageWage benchmarked against the correct NOC code and current provincial median
Weak labour market caseDocumented business case for hiring abroad, not assumed β€” especially for low-wage stream
Presented in the supplied source sequenceReviewed 2026

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.

Professionals collaborating around a table
Review togetherA shared review helps separate the key evidence from the documents that do not move the decision forward.

Related Pages

CTA: Book an Employer Consultation to build an LMIA file that survives an audit.

Client success gallery

Real people. Real milestones. A clearer journey.

Explore moments from the Commonwealth Migration community, then visit our YouTube channel for the latest pathway conversations and client stories.

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Keep exploring your pathway

Make the next decision with better context

Use a free tool to pressure-test the route, or return to the pathway library when you are ready to compare options.

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