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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check your eligibility

Express EntryGet readyStep · of 12

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Job offer supported by an LMIA

An employer applies for an LMIA to show that hiring you won't displace a Canadian worker.

Waiting on: Calculate your CRS score

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step · of 12 · OptionalClose

Job offer supported by an LMIA

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepLabour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)canada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

An employer applies for an LMIA to show that hiring you won't displace a Canadian worker. Since 25 March 2025 a job offer adds no CRS points at all, but it can still matter for eligibility under the skilled-worker and skilled-trades programs. You can't apply for an LMIA yourself, and you must never pay for one.

Why it's required: Optional, and no longer a way to raise your score. Selling LMIAs and job offers is the most common immigration fraud: the employer pays the fee, never the worker.

CRS pointsNoneJob offer points were removed on 25 March 2025.

Who paysThe employerIt's illegal to charge you the $1,000 fee.

Documents you'll need

A written job offer from the employer
The employer’s positive LMIA, or an exemption
Nothing you have to pay for

Before this step

BlockedCalculate your CRS score

This is the last step of the pathway.