Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It proves there is a genuine labour shortage and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the job. A positive LMIA is required before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit in most cases.

What does this site actually check?

We cross-reference the employer name you provide against two official public datasets from ESDC: the list of employers who have been banned or flagged for non-compliance with the TFWP, and the list of employers who have received approved (positive) LMIAs. It's a quick way to see whether the government has a record of this employer — and whether that record is clean.

Does a "clean" result mean the job offer is 100% safe?

No. A clean result means the employer isn't currently on a government ban list. Scammers move fast, and a business can be running a fraud long before the government formally sanctions them. You still need to watch for other red flags — like requests for money, unrealistic wages, or pressure to act quickly.

What if the employer is "not found" in the checker?

“Not found” is a neutral result. It doesn't mean the employer is fake — but it doesn't confirm they're legitimate either. Many small businesses, new companies, or “numbered companies” (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.) may not appear in these datasets yet. Always verify their physical address, website, and business registration independently.

What does it mean if an employer is marked as "banned"?

It means they've committed serious violations — such as abusing workers or misusing the LMIA system. Treat any offer from a banned employer as high risk. Stop communication and consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer before proceeding.

Is it legal for an employer to charge me for an LMIA?

Absolutely not. In Canada, it is illegal for an employer or recruiter to charge a worker for an LMIA or a job offer. The employer is legally required to cover all program costs. If someone is asking you for thousands of dollars to “arrange” a job, it is a scam — period.

My employer wants a "refund" on my wages or "rent" paid back in cash. Is that normal?

No — this is a major form of exploitation. Some employers advertise high wages to pass government inspections, then force workers to pay money back under the table. This is illegal. If this is happening to you, document every interaction and every payment, then seek help from a licensed legal professional.

The job ad says "LMIA pending" or offers huge wages for simple work. Is that a red flag?

Usually, yes. Scammers often post ads with wages that seem too good to be true, and may use “LMIA pending” to create a sense of urgency. In some cases, these ads aren't meant to find a worker at all — they're designed to “prove” to the government that no Canadian was available, so the employer can sell the LMIA to a foreign worker.

I already paid money for an LMIA. What should I do?

Collect all your evidence — bank transfers, chat screenshots, and emails. Report the employer to ESDC and IRCC. You may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers, which is designed to help you leave an abusive employer without losing your status in Canada.

My employer is threatening to cancel my permit if I don't pay them. What can I do?

Employers cannot legally do this. Threatening deportation or permit cancellation to extort money is a crime. You have rights in Canada regardless of your work status. Document the threats and report them to IRCC through their official abuse-reporting channels.

How do I report a suspected scam?

You can use the federal Service Canada fraud reporting form to flag abuse confidentially. You can also report suspicious job postings directly on Job Bank to help protect others. If you are in immediate danger, contact local police.

Are most LMIA job offers scams?

Not all of them. Many legitimate employers use the TFWP to hire workers for genuine labour shortages. However, fraud is unfortunately common in certain sectors, and some recruiters treat LMIAs as a commodity to sell rather than a tool to fill real jobs. Verify carefully before paying anything or signing anything.

Is my search private?

Yes. Your searches are private — we don't store or share the names you search with employers or the government. This tool is meant to be a safe place to do your due diligence without fear of retaliation.