Canada LMIA Work Permit 2026: Employer-Sponsored Immigration

LMIA-backed work permits offer a pathway to Canada PR.

What is LMIA?

Labour Market Impact Assessment proves no Canadian worker available for the job.

LMIA Process

1. Employer advertises job (4 weeks)
2. No qualified Canadian applicants
3. Employer applies for LMIA
4. Service Canada approves
5. Worker applies for work permit

LMIA Types

• High-wage LMIA (above median wage)
• Low-wage LMIA (below median wage)
• Global Talent Stream (tech workers)
• Agricultural workers

CRS Points from LMIA

| LMIA Type | CRS Points | |-----------|-----------| | NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 | 50 | | NOC TEER 4/5 | 50 | | NOC TEER 0 (Senior Manager) | 200 |

Processing Times

• LMIA: 2-4 months
• Work Permit: 2-4 weeks

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

• Intra-company transfers
• CUSMA professionals
• Post-graduation work permit
• International agreements

Zafco can connect you with LMIA employers. Contact us!