LMIA Assessment Tool Canada 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much does an LMIA cost?

The LMIA application fee is $1,000 per position requested, paid entirely by the employer. In Quebec, an additional $216 CAQ fee applies. Employers cannot recover these costs from the foreign worker.

How long does LMIA processing take?

Processing times vary by wage stream. High-wage applications typically take 8 to 12 weeks, low-wage applications 10 to 16 weeks, and agricultural applications 12 to 20 weeks. Quebec applications may take an additional 4 weeks due to the CAQ requirement.

What changed on April 1, 2026?

The minimum advertising period for low-wage LMIA positions doubled from 4 weeks to 8 weeks. This change was introduced to ensure employers make greater efforts to recruit Canadian workers and permanent residents before turning to temporary foreign workers. High-wage positions require 4 weeks of advertising and agricultural stream positions 2 weeks. All applications must also advertise on the Government of Canada Job Bank plus additional methods.

What is the low-wage TFW cap?

Employers hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers are subject to a cap of 20% of their total workforce at each worksite. If hiring additional low-wage TFWs would exceed this cap, the LMIA application will likely be refused.

How does this calculator work?

Enter the province of employment, offered hourly wage, number of positions, and your current workforce composition. The tool determines your wage stream (high-wage, low-wage, or agricultural) by comparing the offered wage to the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. It then calculates advertising requirements and employer costs, and estimates processing times.