What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment, commonly called an LMIA, is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Service Canada assesses an employer's application to determine the likely effect of hiring a temporary foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.
An employer may receive a positive or negative LMIA. A positive LMIA can be an important document for an employer-specific work permit application when an LMIA is required.
How LMIA works for agricultural jobs
Canada has an Agricultural Stream for eligible primary-agriculture employers. The federal program states that this stream can be used when Canadians and permanent residents are not available, provided the employer and agricultural activity meet the program requirements.
The Agricultural Stream can include eligible production such as dairy, bovine, swine, poultry, fruits, vegetables, grains, mushrooms, nursery products and other listed commodities.
An LMIA is an employer process
The employer applies for the LMIA. Workers should be cautious of anyone suggesting that simply paying for a job advertisement or paying an unofficial fee will guarantee a positive LMIA.
What happens after a positive LMIA?
For other agricultural workers who need an employer-specific work permit, the Government of Canada states that the employer must first obtain a positive LMIA. The employer then provides the worker with a copy of the positive LMIA and the job offer letter or contract for the work-permit application.
Are all farm jobs LMIA jobs?
No. A farm job listing is not automatically an LMIA-approved job. The status depends on the employer, the program stream, the vacancy and the employer's LMIA application. Canada Farms Jobs therefore does not label a vacancy as LMIA-approved unless that information is clearly supported by the original source.
Where to search for current agricultural jobs
Browse farm jobs that may accept international candidates, or search by province through our Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia job pages.
LMIA does not guarantee a visa
A positive LMIA and a job offer do not by themselves guarantee that a foreign national will receive a work permit or be allowed to enter Canada. Immigration, admissibility and work-permit requirements are assessed separately.