Hire Through an Existing LMIA / EIMT
Already hold a positive LMIA decision? HireFrancoTalent connects you with pre-vetted bilingual candidates for TEER 4 and 5 roles — fast, compliant, and fully managed.
Understanding the Labour Market Impact Assessment
An LMIA (Évaluation de l'impact sur le marché du travail — EIMT) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that authorizes an employer to hire a foreign national for a specific position when no qualified Canadian worker is available.
What is an LMIA / EIMT?
An LMIA is a government assessment confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA decision letter specifies the job title, NOC code, wage, location, and number of approved positions. The worker then uses this letter to apply for a work permit.
Key Facts
- Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Required for most temporary foreign worker positions
- Specifies exact job title, NOC code, wage, and location
- Covers a fixed number of approved positions
- Valid for a defined period — typically 6 months to 2 years
- Employer must maintain compliance for the full duration
Not sure which pathway applies to you?
If you are hiring TEER 0–3 bilingual Francophone professionals outside Quebec, the C16 LMIA-exempt pathway may be faster and less costly. Compare both options before posting.
Learn about the C16 LMIA-exempt pathwayEligibility Requirements
Both the employer and the candidate must meet specific criteria to use an existing LMIA for a work permit application.
Employer Requirements
- Hold a valid positive LMIA decision letter from ESDC
- The LMIA must not be expired or past its 30-day pre-expiry window
- Remaining approved positions must be available (quota not filled)
- Job offer must match the LMIA exactly: title, NOC code, wage, and location
- Must be a legitimate Canadian business in good standing
- Must maintain records of recruitment efforts and wages paid
Candidate Requirements
- Must be a foreign national outside Canada or on a valid status
- Must meet the qualifications specified in the LMIA job offer
- Must apply for a work permit using the positive LMIA letter
- Work permit is tied to the specific employer and position
- Must maintain valid status throughout employment
- Language requirements as specified in the job offer must be met
TEER 4 & 5 Focus: The Existing LMIA pathway on HireFrancoTalent is designed for TEER 4 and 5 roles — trades, labour, hospitality, and support positions. For TEER 0–3 professional roles, consider the C16 LMIA-exempt pathway instead.
How the LMIA Hiring Process Works
From posting your job to your new hire's first day — here is what to expect at each stage.
Post Your LMIA Job on HireFrancoTalent
Create a job posting and select the Existing LMIA pathway. You will provide your LMIA details: expiration date, approved positions, NOC code, wage, and location. Upload your positive LMIA decision letter for compliance verification.
Admin Verification & Approval
Our compliance team reviews your uploaded LMIA decision letter to confirm it is valid, unexpired, and matches the job details you entered. Once approved, your posting goes live and key fields are locked to match your LMIA exactly.
Browse & Unlock Candidate Profiles
Browse pre-vetted bilingual candidates in the Talent Marketplace. Pay the $250 CAD deposit to unlock a candidate's full profile, contact details, and resume. This deposit is credited toward the success fee upon hire.
Interview & Extend a Job Offer
Conduct interviews and select your preferred candidate. Extend a formal job offer that matches your LMIA exactly — same title, NOC code, wage, and location. The candidate will use this offer letter in their work permit application.
Candidate Applies for Work Permit
The candidate submits their work permit application to IRCC using your positive LMIA letter and job offer. Processing times vary — typically 2–8 weeks for most TEER 4–5 positions.
Onboarding & Compliance
Once the work permit is approved, your new hire can begin work. You are responsible for maintaining the terms of employment as stated in the LMIA for the full duration of the work permit.
LMIA Compliance Requirements
Holding a positive LMIA comes with ongoing legal obligations. Non-compliance can result in bans, fines, and loss of future LMIA eligibility.
Wage Compliance
You must pay the exact wage stated in your LMIA — or higher. You cannot reduce wages after the LMIA is issued. Wage rates must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for the occupation and region.
Location & Position Match
The work must be performed at the location specified in the LMIA. Transferring the worker to a different site or province requires a new LMIA application.
Record Keeping
Maintain records of all wages paid, hours worked, and working conditions for a minimum of 6 years. ESDC can request these records during a compliance inspection at any time.
LMIA Expiry Monitoring
Your LMIA has an expiration date. Work permit applications must be submitted before the LMIA expires. HireFrancoTalent automatically archives your posting 30 days before expiry as a safeguard.
Quota Tracking
Your LMIA approves a fixed number of positions. Once all positions are filled, no additional workers can be hired under that LMIA. HireFrancoTalent tracks your quota in real time.
No Fees to Workers
It is illegal to charge foreign workers any fees related to the LMIA or the recruitment process. All recruitment costs are the employer's responsibility.
Non-Compliance Consequences
Employers found in violation of LMIA conditions may face fines of up to $100,000 per violation, a ban from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for up to 2 years, and public listing on the ESDC non-compliant employers registry. HireFrancoTalent's compliance tools are designed to help you stay on the right side of the law.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before posting your job and before the candidate submits their work permit application.
Employer Documents
- Positive LMIA decision letter (original PDF from ESDC)
- Signed job offer letter matching LMIA terms exactly
- Business registration / incorporation documents
- CRA business number confirmation
- Proof of recruitment efforts (job ads, interview records)
- Workplace safety and insurance (WSIB/WCB) certificate
- Employment contract (to be signed upon hire)
Candidate Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond intended work period)
- Copy of the positive LMIA decision letter (provided by employer)
- Signed job offer letter from employer
- Educational credentials and transcripts
- Professional certifications or trade qualifications
- Proof of language proficiency (if required by the LMIA)
- Biometrics (if not previously provided to IRCC)
- Medical exam results (if required for the occupation)
HireFrancoTalent Manages the Compliance Paperwork
Our platform verifies your LMIA document, locks your job fields to match it, tracks your quota and expiry date, and guides you through each milestone — so you can focus on finding the right person, not managing paperwork.
Post Your LMIA JobFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about hiring through an existing LMIA on HireFrancoTalent.
Have a question not covered here?
Contact Our TeamReady to Hire Through Your LMIA?
Post your LMIA job today and connect with pre-vetted bilingual candidates. Our compliance tools keep you on track from posting to first day.