Not all hiring situations require an LMIA or work permit.

To find out if you and your prospective employee are exempt:
1. Review the LMIA exemption codes and work permit exemptions.
2. Select the relevant code and read the detailed description.
3. If an exemption applies, include the exemption code in your offer of employment.
4. Contact the International Mobility Workers Unit if you’re hiring a temporary foreign worker currently outside Canada and from a visa-exempt country.

Applying for an LMIA

If you need an LMIA, you must apply through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The process varies depending on the type of program you’re hiring through:
1. High-Wage Workers
2. Low-Wage Workers
3. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
4. Agricultural Stream

How to Hire with an LMIA

Once you obtain an LMIA, provide a copy of the confirmation letter to each temporary foreign worker. They will need this to apply for their work permit. We also provide this service and can help assist your employee.

Hiring without an LMIA

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows you to hire temporary foreign workers without an LMIA. Check the LMIA exemption code that applies to your job posting.

If hiring through the IMP, you need to:
1. Pay an employer compliance fee.
2. Submit an offer of employment form through the Employer Portal.
3. This must be done before the temporary foreign worker can apply for a work permit.

Francophone Mobility
Under the IMP, Francophone Mobility allows the hiring of Francophone or bilingual temporary foreign workers outside Quebec without an LMIA. This program offers benefits such as:
1. Providing services in both French and English.
2. Supporting the development of minority language communities across Canada