Quick answer: No. A Canadian employer cannot make a temporary foreign worker pay or reimburse the employer’s LMIA processing fee or recruitment-related costs. Employers must pay these business costs themselves. A worker may still pay their own legitimate immigration expenses, such as a work permit application fee or fees for personal immigration advice.
Who must pay the LMIA processing fee?
The employer pays the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee when a fee applies. The Government of Canada states that the fee cannot be paid by or recovered from the temporary foreign worker.
Review the current rules on the official high-wage program requirements or the applicable Temporary Foreign Worker Program stream before relying on any payment request.
Costs the employer cannot recover from the worker
- The LMIA processing fee
- Fees paid to a recruiter to find or secure the worker
- Employer-paid third-party representative costs related to the LMIA
- Employer compliance fees in LMIA-exempt cases
- Payment demanded to receive or keep the job
The restriction applies whether the employer, recruiter or another person tries to collect the money directly or indirectly. A deduction from wages, a cash payment, a refundable “deposit” or a payment to a relative can still be a warning sign.
What costs can a worker legitimately pay?
Workers normally remain responsible for their own government application fees, biometrics where required, passport costs and optional professional advice they personally choose. Some program streams create additional employer obligations for transportation, housing or private health insurance, so check the rules for the specific job and stream.
Ask for an itemized written explanation before paying anyone. Confirm the amount and recipient through an official government page or an authorized professional.
Does paying an LMIA fee guarantee a work permit or PR?
No. A positive LMIA supports an employer-specific work permit application, but it does not guarantee approval. The worker must still apply to IRCC and meet all requirements. An LMIA also does not automatically guarantee permanent residence.
Read our LMIA jobs guide and Canadian job-offer checklist before relying on an offer.
Red flags that may indicate a scam
- The employer demands thousands of dollars before an interview
- A recruiter promises a guaranteed LMIA, work permit or PR
- The payment must be made in cash, cryptocurrency or to a personal account
- The vacancy cannot be found through the employer’s real channels
- The sender uses a free email address that does not match the company
- You are told to hide the payment from government officials
What to do if you already paid
- Save receipts, bank records, messages, contracts and the job advertisement.
- Do not send additional money or original identity documents.
- Verify the employer and representative independently.
- Use the Government of Canada’s temporary foreign worker abuse reporting process.
- Contact the relevant provincial employment standards office if wages were deducted.
- Get independent legal help when money, status or safety is at risk.
The federal reporting process states that the identity of a person reporting abuse is protected. Call emergency services when there is immediate danger.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employer deduct the LMIA fee from wages?
No. Calling it a payroll deduction does not make recovery of the employer’s LMIA or recruitment costs acceptable.
Can a consultant charge a worker?
An authorized representative may charge for immigration services provided directly to the worker. That is different from selling a job or making the worker reimburse the employer’s LMIA and recruitment expenses.
Should I pay for a guaranteed LMIA job?
No legitimate person can guarantee an LMIA decision, work permit or permanent residence. Treat this claim as a serious warning sign.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026. This article provides general information, not legal advice. Verify current rules with the Government of Canada.
Leave a Reply