Maple News reports that in 2023, Canada issued over 60,000 Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), a key figure highlighting which job sectors are most actively recruiting international talent through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers must secure before hiring foreign workers under most streams of the TFWP. It serves as proof that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role, thereby justifying the need to bring in international workers. For many newcomers, obtaining an LMIA-supported work permit is a critical step toward gaining Canadian work experience, which can strengthen their eligibility for permanent immigration.
According to government data reviewed by Maple News, the top ten occupations receiving the highest number of LMIAs in 2023 were:
1. General Farm Workers – 8,289 LMIA approvals
2. Cooks – 5,187
3. Food Service Supervisors – 3,739
4. Kitchen Helpers & Food Counter Attendants – 2,576
5. Administrative Assistants – 1,619
6. Retail Sales Supervisors – 1,358
7. Information Systems Analysts & Consultants – 1,168
8. Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developers – 1,133
9. Transport Truck Drivers – 1,131
10. Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers – 994
These roles span several key sectors, including agriculture, information technology, transportation, hospitality, and administration. For instance, the agricultural sector—specifically through the Primary Agriculture stream—led the way with General Farm Workers receiving the most LMIA approvals. Technology-related positions also appeared prominently on the list, primarily under the Global Talent Stream, which offers expedited processing for high-skilled tech roles.
Important for job seekers is the distinction between different LMIA streams. Four of the top jobs were supported under the low-wage stream, four under the high-wage stream, one through the Global Talent Stream, and one under the Primary Agriculture stream. Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and compliance requirements for employers, including job advertising mandates and wage benchmarks.
The data also reveals how evolving economic needs shape immigration patterns. Many of the 2016 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes used in the LMIA reports were updated in 2021 to better reflect modern job functions. For example, general farm work has diversified into multiple specific roles such as livestock labourers and harvesting workers.
For newcomers planning their career paths in Canada, understanding LMIA trends can provide a strategic advantage. Targeting high-demand occupations could improve work permit success and lead to more stable pathways to permanent residency. However, it remains crucial that employers—not the foreign workers—are responsible for applying for LMIAs and complying with all government regulations.
Canada has announced further changes to the TFWP in 2024, including adjustments to LMIA validity periods and hiring quotas per business, indicating that the program will continue to evolve alongside labour market needs.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates on LMIA policies and their impact on immigration opportunities.