Quick Answer
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document a Canadian employer gets to prove no Canadian or PR was available for a job before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA is worth up to 50–200 CRS points in Express Entry — but the rules changed, and many people chase LMIAs that are worthless or, worse, fall for fraudulent “LMIA for sale” scams. Here is what an LMIA actually does, what it costs, and the warning signs of fraud.
What an LMIA Is — and Is Not
An LMIA is the employer’s responsibility, not yours. The employer applies to ESDC, advertises the job, proves they couldn’t find a Canadian, and pays a $1,000 processing fee. If approved (positive LMIA), you can use it to apply for an employer-specific work permit and/or claim CRS points.
- It is not something you can buy
- It is not a work permit (it’s a prerequisite for one)
- It is not permanent residence
- It is not something you apply for yourself
Warning: Buying an LMIA is illegal and a common immigration scam. Paying an employer or agent for an LMIA-backed job offer — where you pay the “employer” instead of being paid — is fraud. It can result in a refusal, a misrepresentation ban of 5 years, and removal from Canada. If anyone asks you to pay for an LMIA or a job offer, walk away and consider reporting them. This guide is not legal advice; consult a licensed RCIC or lawyer for your situation.
How Many CRS Points Is an LMIA Worth?
| Job type | CRS points (current rules) |
|---|---|
| Senior management (NOC TEER 00) | 200 |
| Most other skilled jobs (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) | 50 |
| No valid job offer | 0 |
Important: The proposed Express Entry reforms could change how job-offer points work — including a renewed emphasis on high-wage offers. Verify current rules before building a strategy around LMIA points.
LMIA-Based Work Permit vs. LMIA for CRS Points
An LMIA serves two separate purposes that people confuse:
- To get a work permit: a positive LMIA lets you apply for an employer-specific work permit so you can work in Canada now.
- To boost CRS in Express Entry: a valid job offer backed by an LMIA can add points to your PR profile.
Some jobs are LMIA-exempt (intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, etc.) — those let you work but historically did not give job-offer CRS points the same way.
The Employer’s Process (So You Know What’s Real)
- Employer advertises the position (usually 4 weeks, multiple platforms)
- Employer proves no qualified Canadian/PR applied
- Employer submits the LMIA application to ESDC with the $1,000 fee
- ESDC assesses labour market impact, wages, and working conditions
- If approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA
- You use it to apply for a work permit or claim CRS points
If an “employer” skips advertising, asks you for money, or won’t show the LMIA, something is wrong.
Red Flags of LMIA Fraud
- Anyone asking you to pay for the LMIA or the job offer (the employer pays the $1,000, not you)
- A “job” where you pay a deposit, fee, or kickback to be hired
- An employer who won’t let you actually work or whose business cannot be verified
- Agents promising a “guaranteed LMIA” for a fixed price
- Pressure to sign documents you haven’t read or to misrepresent your role
- Being told to claim duties you won’t actually perform
The legal cost of LMIA fraud falls on you: refusal, a 5-year misrepresentation ban, and possible removal — even if an agent set it up.
Wages and the Streams
LMIAs split into high-wage and low-wage streams based on the provincial median wage, with different rules for each. The Global Talent Stream offers fast 10-day LMIA processing for eligible tech roles. The right stream depends entirely on the job, the wage, and the employer — not on what’s convenient for you.
FAQ
Can I get an LMIA on my own?
No. Only the employer can apply for an LMIA. If someone offers to get you one personally for a fee, it is a scam.
How long is a positive LMIA valid?
Generally 6 months for the purpose of applying for a work permit. Use it before it expires.
Is paying an agent to find a real LMIA job legal?
Paying a licensed recruiter for legitimate job-search help can be legal, but paying for the LMIA itself or for the job offer is not. The line matters — get advice if unsure.
Canadianow is an independent publisher, not a law firm. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Sources
- ESDC — Labour Market Impact Assessment
- IRCC — job offer and CRS points
- Government of Canada — protect yourself from immigration fraud
Written by Canadianow Editorial Team. Last reviewed: June 2026.
