LMIA Application Fees Explained: What Employers Need to Know
If you are a Canadian employer looking to hire from outside the country, you may be required to obtain an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This is a document issued by the Canadian government that shows you need to hire a foreign worker because there is nobody in Canada to do that job.
In the process of LMIA, the role of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is to determine whether the hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian job market – if they have a positive effect, then the approval to move forward with the hiring is granted.
This guide will explain how the LMIA process works, how much LMIA costs, what you need to do as an employer, and answer common questions like “How many LMIA can an employer get?”
What Is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a government authorization that permits you to hire a foreign worker under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). You must have an LMIA before your employee can apply for a work permit – unless you are hiring through an LMIA-exempt program like the International Mobility Program.
The main purpose of the LMIA is to make sure hiring a foreign worker doesn’t take away a job opportunity from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Also Read:- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers: A Complete Guide
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an LMIA
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to do to apply:
Find the NOC code for the job you’re hiring for (NOC stands for National Occupation Classification).
Check the wage rate for that role in your region.
Write a job ad that follows government rules.
Advertise the job in Canada for at least 30 days on approved platforms.
Interview Canadian applicants and keep records of your efforts.
Gather all required documents.
Submit your LMIA application to Service Canada.
Pay the required fees.
If invited to an interview with a Service Canada officer, participate.
Your foreign worker can apply for a work permit once your LMIA is approved.
Also Read:- A Complete Guide For Canada Visa Process
LMIA Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Apply?
One of the most common questions employers ask is: How much is LMIA? or How much does LMIA cost in Canada?
Here is a breakdown of the standard LMIA costs per foreign worker:
LMIA application fee: $1,000 CAD for every position.
Advertising costs: Approximately $500–$600 if posting the job on several paid job sites.
Legal or Consultant Fees (optional): $3,000–$7,000, depending on the level of complexity of your case and whether you engage a lawyer or immigration consultant.
Work Permit support: If you are assisting the worker with their work permit, plan for an additional $480–$550, which includes work permit application, biometrics, and medical exam.
So, the total cost of LMIA can range from $5,500 to $8,000 per worker when you include everything.
Remember: It is illegal for an employer to require a foreign worker to pay any of these costs. This is illegal in Canada and carries serious repercussions, including being banned from hiring foreign workers in the future.
Who Pays for the LMIA?
As the employer, you are fully responsible for all LMIA-related costs. You cannot deduct these costs from your employee’s wages or ask them to pay back any part of it. This includes:
The $1,000 application fee
Advertising costs
Recruitment agency fees
Orientation or training fees
Airfare (if you agreed to pay it)
This rule helps protect foreign workers from unfair treatment and hidden costs.
How Many LMIA Can an Employer Get?
While there is no limit on the number of LMIAs an employer can apply for, each application will be looked at separately and must meet all of the requirements. The government may take a close look at the history of your business in the program, as well as how you’ve treated foreign workers.
For example, if you’re applying for multiple LMIAs in the same year, you must prove that:
You advertised all the jobs properly.
There are no Canadian workers available.
You’re following all employment laws.
Additionally, if you are hiring for low-wage jobs, there may be limitations based on industry and location. If you intend on trying to hire several foreign workers, we recommend that you speak to an immigration consultant or lawyer.
How Long Does LMIA Take?
Processing times can vary depending on the type of job and where you apply from. On average:
High-wage positions may be processed in about 10–20 business days.
Low-wage positions can take up to 53 business days or longer.
To speed things up, make sure your application is complete and all documents are correct.
Tips for a Successful LMIA Application
Be clear and honest in your job ad and application.
Keep detailed records of your recruitment efforts.
Don’t cut corners—follow all program rules carefully.
Use a professional if the process feels too complicated.
Final Thoughts
Getting an LMIA can seem like a lot of work, but it’s an important part of hiring foreign workers legally and responsibly in Canada. Now that you know how much LMIA costs, what’s involved in the process, and how to stay compliant, you’re better prepared to move forward with confidence.
If you still have questions about the cost of LMIA, how to apply, or how to hire multiple foreign workers, it’s always best to speak with a trusted immigration expert, contact New Jain Immigration today.
