LMIA approvals in 2025 highlight the ongoing need for international talent across Canada’s labour market. Employment and Social Development Canada has approved more than 122,000 Labour Market Impact Assessments during the first three quarters of the year. These results confirm that Canadian employers continue to rely on foreign workers to fill key roles where domestic labour supply remains limited. This level of activity reflects how Canada’s economy continues to depend on skilled and semi skilled workers in multiple sectors. From healthcare and construction to hospitality and manufacturing, LMIA approvals remain an important gateway for employers to access global talent while supporting business continuity and regional growth.

Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia Lead LMIA Approvals

Ontario recorded the highest number of LMIA approvals in 2025, with more than 11,000 positive decisions in the third quarter alone. Quebec and British Columbia followed closely, reflecting strong labour needs in major population and economic centres.

These provinces continue to attract international workers across a wide range of industries. Construction, healthcare, trucking, food processing, and technology-related roles remain common drivers of LMIA demand.

The strong presence of LMIA approvals in these provinces highlights how Canada’s largest economies continue to depend on foreign workers to meet operational and expansion needs.

Alberta and the Prairies Maintain Steady LMIA Activity

Alberta recorded close to 3,000 positive LMIA approvals in the third quarter of 2025. This reflects continued labour demand in sectors such as energy services, construction, hospitality, agriculture, and transportation.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan also recorded steady numbers, confirming that prairie provinces continue to rely on foreign workers to support local employers and rural economies. These regions often face workforce shortages due to population distribution and industry-specific labour gaps.

LMIA approvals in these provinces help maintain business operations and support long-term regional development.

Atlantic Canada and Northern Regions See Targeted LMIA Use

Atlantic provinces recorded modest but steady LMIA approvals in 2025. Nova Scotia led the Atlantic region, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador and other eastern provinces. These approvals reflect labour needs in healthcare, caregiving, hospitality, and seasonal industries.

The northern territories also issued LMIA approvals, supporting essential services and infrastructure in remote communities. While numbers remain smaller, LMIA approvals in these regions are vital for maintaining workforce stability and supporting local economies.

What Rising LMIA Approvals Mean for Foreign Workers

Higher LMIA approvals signal an opportunity for foreign workers seeking Canadian work permits and long-term settlement pathways. A positive LMIA can support a work permit application and may also strengthen eligibility for provincial nominee programs and permanent residence options.

For many foreign workers, an LMIA-supported job offer becomes a stepping stone toward long term status in Canada. It can also help improve eligibility under Express Entry and provincial immigration programs.

As Canada continues to refine temporary worker policies, LMIA approvals remain a key part of employer driven immigration and workforce planning.

Why Employers Continue to Use the LMIA Program

Canadian employers rely on the LMIA program to address shortages in critical roles. When qualified Canadian workers are not available, the LMIA process allows employers to legally hire foreign workers to support business needs.

LMIA approvals help ensure that businesses can continue operating, expanding, and serving customers while contributing to local economies. They also support regional industries that face chronic labour gaps.

This ongoing demand confirms that LMIA approvals will remain an important part of Canada’s labour and immigration system.

How LMIA Trends Connect to Long Term Immigration Pathways

LMIA approvals are not just about temporary work. They often connect to permanent residence strategies. Many foreign workers who enter Canada through LMIA supported jobs later qualify for provincial nominee programs or federal permanent residence streams.

This creates a pathway from temporary work to long-term settlement. It also supports Canada’s broader immigration goals by retaining workers who are already contributing to the economy.

LMIA approvals therefore play a dual role. They support immediate labour needs and help build Canada’s future workforce.

Support for LMIA and Employer-Based Immigration

For employers and foreign workers, the LMIA process can be complex and highly detailed. Proper documentation, compliance with labour requirements, and accurate application preparation are essential for success.

This is where professional guidance becomes critical. Working with experienced immigration professionals helps reduce errors, improve timelines, and ensure applications meet current program standards.

At ImmigCanada, employers and foreign workers receive expert guidance through every stage of the LMIA and employer driven immigration process. With ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, clients benefit from strategic support led by a certified Canadian immigration consultant and Regulated immigration consultant who understand current labour market policies and federal requirements.

Under the leadership of Eivy Joy Quito, widely recognized as the Best RCIC in Canada, ImmigCanada helps employers secure compliant approvals and supports foreign workers in building strong long term immigration plans. Whether your goal is to obtain a work permit, improve eligibility for provincial programs, or plan a permanent residence pathway, ImmigCanada provides structured, professional guidance that aligns with Canada’s evolving immigration system.

LMIA approvals in 2025 confirm that employer demand for foreign workers remains strong across Canada. With more than 122,000 positive decisions, the LMIA program continues to play a vital role in supporting business growth, workforce stability, and long term immigration planning. For foreign workers and employers alike, LMIA approvals remain a key gateway to Canadian opportunities and permanent settlement pathways.