Looking for work in Canada? The Canada LMIA jobs list is a big deal for many skilled workers hoping to get a job offer and eventually permanent residency. It’s not always easy to figure out, but understanding how it works can really help. We’ll break down what you need to know about these job opportunities.
So, you’re looking at coming to Canada to work, and you’ve probably heard about this thing called an LMIA. It can sound a bit complicated, but really, it’s just a way for the Canadian government to make sure that hiring someone from another country won’t negatively affect jobs for Canadians. Think of it as a check to see if there are any Canadians available or willing to do the job first.
Basically, a Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA, is a document that an employer in Canada might need to get before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. Service Canada does an assessment, and if they decide that bringing in a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian job market, they’ll issue a positive LMIA. This means they’ve looked into it and determined there aren’t enough Canadians available for that specific job. It’s a pretty important step for many work permit applications.
When you’re looking at job postings or data, you might see terms like ‘LMIA requested’ and ‘LMIA approved’. It’s good to know the difference. ‘LMIA requested’ means an employer has applied for one, but the assessment is still ongoing. ‘LMIA approved’, on the other hand, means Service Canada has reviewed the request and decided positively – they’ve given the green light. You’ll often find way more jobs where an LMIA was requested than jobs where it was actually approved. For example, recent data shows thousands of jobs requested an LMIA, but only a few hundred were actually approved.
Some employers are what the government calls ‘recognized employers’. These are businesses that have a history of hiring foreign workers, and sometimes they have special arrangements or are part of programs that might streamline the LMIA process. It doesn’t mean they automatically get an LMIA, but it can sometimes indicate a smoother path. There are a number of jobs found associated with these recognized employers, showing they are actively involved in hiring from abroad.
It’s important to remember that the lists of employers who received a positive LMIA often exclude businesses with personal names. This means the published lists aren’t always the complete picture of every employer who has ever sought or received an LMIA. They focus on business names for privacy and clarity.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers you might see:
So, you’ve got a job offer in Canada, and maybe even a positive LMIA to go with it. That’s a big step, but it’s not quite the finish line for permanent residency. Think of it as a really important piece of the puzzle. A job offer, especially one supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), can seriously boost your chances of immigrating, but there are specific rules and requirements you and your employer need to meet. It’s not just about having an offer; it’s about having a valid one that fits the immigration program you’re aiming for.
Not all job offers are created equal when it comes to immigration. For your offer to count, it needs to be pretty specific. It has to be in writing, from a single employer, and it needs to detail your pay, your duties, and your working conditions, like hours. It also needs to be for continuous, full-time work (at least 30 hours a week) and not seasonal. If you’re aiming for permanent residency, the job generally needs to be for at least one year after you’re approved. Plus, the job usually needs to fall into a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your employer is the one who has to get a new LMIA if one is needed, and that LMIA has to specifically name you and your position.
It’s important to remember that a work permit alone, even an open one, doesn’t count as a job offer for immigration purposes. The offer needs to meet the specific criteria of the program you’re applying under.
If you’re looking at the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), things are a little different. You actually don’t need a job offer to be eligible for this program. However, if your employer does decide to give you an offer, it can still be helpful. It’s just not a mandatory requirement like it might be for other programs. So, while it can add points to your application, you can still apply for CEC without one if you meet the other criteria, like having Canadian work experience.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is where things can get really varied. Each province and territory has its own set of streams and requirements. For many of these streams, a valid job offer from an employer in that province is a key requirement. The specifics of the offer – like the type of job, the salary, and whether it needs an LMIA – will depend entirely on the specific PNP stream you’re interested in. Some provinces might have streams for specific in-demand occupations, while others might focus on attracting entrepreneurs. It’s definitely worth checking out the specific immigration website for the province you’re hoping to settle in to see what their PNP has to offer and what kind of job offer, if any, is needed.
Here’s a quick look at how job offers fit into different programs:

So, you’re looking at jobs in Canada and wondering which ones actually need that Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) thing? It can get a little confusing, but let’s break down what kinds of jobs are typically on the list and what that means for you.
Good news for folks in certain skilled trades! Some jobs don’t require an LMIA for your employer to hire you. This usually applies if you’re already working in Canada on a work permit that was based on a positive LMIA, and you have a job offer from that same employer for at least another year. The job also needs to be full-time (meaning at least 30 hours a week) and fall into specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories. Think of jobs like:
It’s a bit of a list, and the exact NOC codes matter, so always double-check the specifics. The main idea is that if you’re already in Canada working in a skilled trade and have a solid offer to continue, you might be exempt.
When we talk about jobs needing an LMIA, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is super important. Specifically, the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories tell us a lot about the skill level. Generally, jobs that require a positive LMIA tend to be in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. These are typically management, professional, technical, and skilled trade occupations. Lower TEER categories might have different pathways or requirements. It’s not just about the job title; the specific duties and requirements listed under the NOC code are what really count.
While some trades are exempt, many others do require an LMIA. This means your employer has to prove to the Canadian government that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the local job market. This often includes jobs in:
The process for an LMIA involves the employer demonstrating a need for the foreign worker and showing that no qualified Canadian workers are available for the position. It’s a step designed to protect the domestic labor force while still allowing businesses to fill critical skill gaps.
It’s always best to confirm the LMIA requirements for your specific occupation and situation. The NOC code is your best friend here, so make sure you know it!

So, you’ve got your eye on Canada and you’re looking for work. That’s great! But where do you even start looking? Canada is a big place, and job opportunities can really vary depending on where you want to settle. It’s not just about finding any job; it’s about finding the right job for you, in a place that makes sense for your skills and your life.
Canada’s job market isn’t uniform. Some provinces are booming with opportunities, especially in certain sectors, while others might have fewer openings. For instance, Ontario and British Columbia often show a high number of job postings, likely due to their larger populations and diverse economies. Alberta, with its resource industries, can also be a strong contender for specific trades.
Here’s a general idea of where jobs have been posted, though keep in mind these numbers can change:
It’s worth looking into the specific industries that are strong in each province. Are you in tech? Maybe Toronto or Vancouver. Skilled trades? Alberta or Ontario might be good bets. Researching provincial nominee programs can also point you towards provinces actively seeking workers in your field.
When you’re looking for work in Canada, language is a big deal. Most jobs will require at least one of the official languages, English or French. If you’re applying for jobs in Quebec, French proficiency is often a must, or at least a strong asset. In other provinces, English is usually the primary language of business.
Some jobs might specifically list both English and French as requirements, especially in federal government positions or companies that operate nationwide. It’s always a good idea to check the job description carefully. Here’s a quick look at job postings by language:
Even if a job doesn’t explicitly require French outside of Quebec, knowing a bit can sometimes give you an edge, especially in areas with bilingual populations.
Let’s talk money. What you can expect to earn really depends on your job, your experience, and where you’re working. Higher cost-of-living areas, like major cities, might offer higher salaries, but your expenses will also be greater. It’s important to look at salary ranges not just in terms of gross pay, but also what it means for your day-to-day life in that specific location.
Here’s a breakdown of job postings by annual salary ranges:
And by hourly wage:
Remember, these figures are based on available job postings and might not reflect every single opportunity. Always do your homework on the typical wages for your specific occupation in the province you’re interested in.
So, you’re looking at the Canada LMIA Jobs List and wondering where all this information comes from, right? It’s a good question. The government provides data on employers who have received a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This means Service Canada looked at the employer’s request to hire a foreign worker and decided it wouldn’t negatively affect the Canadian job market. In fact, it might even have a neutral or positive impact. This data is key for understanding which employers are actively seeking foreign talent through the LMIA process.
Finding these lists isn’t like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it does take a bit of digging. The government publishes datasets that include employers who were issued a positive LMIA. These lists often break down information by program stream, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and the location of the business. You can find these files, usually in formats like CSV or XLSX, on open government portals. For example, you might find data from specific quarters or years, like the 2025Q2-Employers Who Were Issued a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) list. It’s important to remember that these lists track positions approved via LMIA, not necessarily the final number of work permits issued, as that’s handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Now, it’s not all perfectly straightforward. These lists have some limitations you should be aware of. For instance, they typically exclude business names that include personal names, like those for caregivers. This means the lists aren’t a complete picture of every single employer involved in the LMIA process. Also, the data reflects LMIA approvals, not the actual number of foreign workers who end up getting a work permit and entering Canada. Sometimes, an employer might get an LMIA approval but then decide not to hire, or other factors might come into play. It’s also worth noting that LMIAs supporting permanent residency applications were historically excluded from some lists but are now being included going forward from Q4 2023.
It’s always a good idea to cross-reference information and understand that publicly available data represents a snapshot of a dynamic process. Not every approved LMIA position translates directly into a job offer or a successful work permit application.
If you have questions about the accuracy of the data or need clarification on specific employer information, you can reach out to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). They manage the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The contact point for inquiries regarding the accuracy of LMIA information is often provided as an email address, like NA-TFWP-PTET@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca. This is your direct line to the folks who handle the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, so they’re the best resource for official details.
So, you’ve got your sights set on working in Canada, and you’re wondering about the whole LMIA thing. It can get a bit confusing, right? Let’s break down when you actually need one and when you might be in the clear.
Generally speaking, if you don’t already have a work permit, or if your current one is about to expire, your potential employer will likely need to get a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is the standard process to show that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the Canadian job market. The employer is the one responsible for this, so it’s good to know they’re on board with the process. They need to get a positive LMIA before they can officially offer you the job that requires one.
Now, for the good news! There are definitely times when an LMIA isn’t required. This usually happens if you’ve already been working for the employer in Canada for a while, or if your job falls under specific exemptions. For instance, if you’ve been working full-time for an employer for at least a year on a work permit that was based on an LMIA, and they offer you a job for another year, you might not need a new LMIA. It’s all about demonstrating continuity and a solid offer.
There are a couple of main reasons your employer might not need a new LMIA:
Canada has agreements with other countries, and these can sometimes exempt workers from needing an LMIA. Think of things like trade agreements, such as CUSMA (the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement), or other international accords. These exemptions can apply to various professionals, traders, and investors. It’s a way to facilitate cross-border movement for specific types of work. You might also find exemptions under federal-provincial agreements or for reasons related to ‘Canadian interests,’ like bringing significant social or economic benefits to the country. These can include specialized intra-company transfers or workers under programs like the Francophone Mobility initiative. If you’re looking at immigration pathways, understanding these exemptions is key, especially if you’re considering programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
It’s important to remember that even with exemptions, other requirements for your work permit and eventual permanent residency still apply. Always double-check the specific conditions for your situation.
So, that’s a look at the Canadian LMIA job list and what it means for you. It can seem like a lot of information at first, but breaking it down helps. Remember, the goal is to connect skilled workers with jobs where there’s a need. Keep an eye on these lists, understand the requirements for your specific situation, and don’t get discouraged. There are opportunities out there, and with a bit of persistence, you can find the right fit for your career in Canada.
An LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document that some Canadian employers need to get before they can hire a foreign worker. It basically shows that hiring someone from another country won’t negatively affect the job market for Canadians. If an employer gets a positive LMIA, it helps support a foreign worker’s application to get a job and potentially immigrate to Canada.
When you see ‘LMIA requested,’ it means an employer has applied for an LMIA but hasn’t received a decision yet. ‘LMIA approved’ means the employer has successfully gotten the LMIA, which is a stronger signal that the job is available for a foreign worker. There are many more jobs where an LMIA is requested compared to those already approved.
Yes, in some cases! Certain jobs or situations are exempt from needing an LMIA. For example, if you’re transferring within a company or if you’re working under certain international agreements, you might not need one. Also, some skilled trades have special rules that might let you skip the LMIA process.
A job offer needs to be quite specific to be considered valid for immigration. It generally must be from one employer, be full-time (at least 30 hours a week), paid, continuous, and last for at least a year if you become a permanent resident. It also needs to be for a job that fits certain skill categories (like NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) and be supported by a positive LMIA or meet specific LMIA exemption rules.
The Canadian government provides lists of employers who have been issued positive LMIAs. These lists can be found on government data websites. However, it’s important to know that these lists might not be totally complete because they sometimes exclude jobs with personal names or specific caregiver roles. They also track job offers, not necessarily the actual number of foreign workers hired.
To be sure your job offer is good for permanent residency, check if it meets the criteria for programs like Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Programs. It needs to be a real offer for a skilled job, usually with a specific duration and pay. Make sure the employer has the necessary LMIA or that your situation qualifies for an LMIA exemption.
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