LMIA Applications

Hire Global Talent the Right Way

LMIA Applications with Cougar Immigration

Need to hire a foreign worker in Canada? You may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that confirms no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.

At Cougar Immigration, we help Canadian employers and foreign workers navigate the complex LMIA process with precision, ensuring compliance and a higher chance of approval.

 

What is an LMIA?

An LMIA is a decision letter issued by ESDC that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign national when they can prove there’s a genuine labor shortage.

There are two main types of LMIAs:

• High-Wage & Low-Wage Streams (Temporary Foreign Worker Program – TFWP)
• PR-Supportive LMIAs (for Express Entry applicants under FSW, FST, or CEC)

A positive LMIA strengthens a foreign worker’s work permit application or adds 50–200 CRS points to Express Entry profiles.

 

When Do You Need an LMIA?

An LMIA is typically required when:

• Hiring a foreign worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Supporting a permanent residency application through Express Entry
• No LMIA-exempt work permit stream (e.g., CUSMA, CETA, intra-company transfer) applies

Cougar Immigration can help determine whether your situation requires an LMIA—and which stream fits best.

 

How Cougar Immigration Supports Employers

The LMIA process involves advertising, compliance, and strict timelines. We handle the complexity so you can focus on growing your team.

For Employers, We Offer:

• Eligibility Check & Job Classification (NOC validation)
• Recruitment & Advertising Compliance (meets 30-day requirement)
• Complete LMIA Application Submission to ESDC
• Preparation for ESDC Interview/Inspection
• Ongoing Compliance Advisory to ensure future hiring success

 

How Cougar Immigration Supports Workers

If you’ve been offered a job that requires an LMIA, we can help you with:

• Work Permit Application using approved LMIA
• Express Entry Profile Enhancement (+50 to +200 CRS points)
• Transition to Permanent Residency through FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
• Family Sponsorship/Work Permits for accompanying spouse and dependents

 

Pricing

Final fees may vary based on job type, wage level, and urgency.

 

Why Choose Cougar Immigration?

We combine immigration expertise with deep understanding of ESDC requirements, helping employers get the talent they need—and workers secure legal status in Canada. Our approach is strategic, thorough, and fully compliant.