Quick answer: A regular job offer is an employer’s promise of employment. An LMIA-supported offer is connected to a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment obtained by the employer for a specific position. Some foreign workers need the positive LMIA to apply for an employer-specific work permit, while others are LMIA-exempt or already authorized to work.
LMIA offer versus regular offer
| Point | Regular job offer | LMIA-supported offer |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Sets out employment terms | Employment terms plus employer’s positive LMIA |
| Work authorization | Does not create authorization by itself | May support an employer-specific work permit application |
| Government assessment | No LMIA necessarily involved | ESDC/Service Canada assessed the employer’s LMIA application |
| Employer fee | No LMIA processing fee | Employer pays the applicable LMIA fee |
| Guarantee | No guarantee of a permit or PR | No guarantee of a permit or PR |
What is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a document used to assess whether hiring a foreign worker is likely to have a positive or neutral effect on Canada’s labour market. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
IRCC’s employer-specific work permit guide explains the documents an employer must give a worker when an LMIA is required.
What is a regular job-offer letter?
A job-offer letter normally identifies the employer, job title, duties, wage, hours, location, start date and conditions. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and many people with open work permits can accept ordinary offers without an LMIA.
A job offer alone does not override immigration restrictions. Always check the conditions on your permit before starting work.
When can a job be LMIA-exempt?
Some employer-specific work permits are issued under the International Mobility Program without an LMIA. In those cases, the employer may need to submit an offer through the Employer Portal and provide an offer-of-employment number. Open work permits generally are not tied to one employer, although restrictions may still apply.
Documents to verify
- A complete written job offer or employment agreement
- The employer’s legal name and real business contact details
- Job duties that match the stated occupation
- Wage, weekly hours, work location and duration
- The positive LMIA letter and relevant annex when required
- An offer-of-employment number for applicable LMIA-exempt cases
- Your own work permit conditions
Use our job-offer letter checklist and job-scams guide before sharing sensitive documents.
Does an LMIA offer give Express Entry points?
Do not assume that any LMIA or job offer automatically creates CRS points. Express Entry rules and the definition of qualifying employment can change. Check IRCC’s current job-offer requirements for the program and date that apply to you.
Who pays the LMIA fee?
The employer pays the applicable LMIA processing fee and cannot recover it or recruitment-related costs from the temporary foreign worker. Read our guide on LMIA fees charged to workers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a positive LMIA the same as a work permit?
No. A positive LMIA is an employer document. The worker normally uses it as part of a separate work permit application.
Can an employer hire me without an LMIA?
Possibly. It depends on your existing authorization and whether an LMIA exemption applies.
Does an LMIA guarantee permanent residence?
No. Immigration applications are assessed separately and applicants must meet every requirement.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026. Immigration rules change; verify your situation through IRCC and ESDC.
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