For degree-granting post-secondary institutions hiring foreign academics
Who Qualifies
- Universities and university colleges (degree-granting post-secondary institutions) in Canada
- Positions where the foreign national has at least one postgraduate degree and earns the majority of their income from teaching or conducting research
- Community colleges are only eligible if they are affiliated with a university and their students can obtain degrees from that university
- Collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel (Cégep) in Quebec are excluded. The standard LMIA process applies instead.
Key Requirements
- The institution must be a recognized degree-granting post-secondary institution, with designation under applicable provincial legislation.
- The academic must hold at least one postgraduate degree (Master's or Doctorate) following a Bachelor's degree.
- Primary income source must be teaching or research at the Canadian institution.
- Standard recruitment documentation applies. Academic job searches must be documented.
- $1,000 LMIA application fee. The academic stream does not receive a fee exemption.
Application Process
- 1Confirm institutional eligibility (degree-granting, not a standalone community college).
- 2Verify the foreign academic's credentials meet the postgraduate degree requirement.
- 3Conduct and document academic recruitment. Faculty searches with committee documentation are standard.
- 4Submit the LMIA application through ESDC with academic position details and institution credentials.
- 5Upon a positive LMIA, the academic applies for the work permit.
Processing Time
ESDC processing time for academic LMIA applications varies and is not guaranteed. Verify current processing times directly with ESDC before making hiring commitments. Many university-level appointments may instead be eligible for International Mobility Program (IMP) exemptions, such as the Significant Benefit category for certain professor positions, which can bypass the LMIA entirely.
Where Most Applicants Go Wrong
- Institution is a community college not affiliated with a degree-granting university.
- Academic's primary income is not from teaching or research, such as a primarily administrative role.
- Foreign national does not hold a postgraduate degree as defined.
Strategic Consideration
Before filing an academic LMIA, assess whether the position qualifies for an IMP Significant Benefit exemption. IRCC recognizes that certain university appointments, particularly research chairs, visiting professors, and postdoctoral appointments, can benefit Canada without requiring labour market testing. Where it applies, this exemption is generally faster, has no LMIA fee, and does not require the LMIA process.
Practitioner Insight
Universities often have internal international offices that manage IMP applications independently. Before engaging outside help for an academic LMIA, confirm whether the institution's HR team has already assessed IMP eligibility. Duplicate applications or conflicting advice between the institution's team and outside advisors can create delays.
Quick Facts
- LMIA fee:$1,000 per position
- Fee exemption:None
- Eligible institutions:Degree-granting only
- Minimum credential:Postgraduate degree
- Who applies:Institution only
Check IMP First: Certain university appointments, such as research chairs, visiting professors, and postdoctoral appointments, may qualify for an IMP Significant Benefit exemption instead of the LMIA. Confirm this before filing.
Coordinate with your institution's international office before filing. Book a consultation to assess LMIA versus IMP exemption eligibility.
Schedule your consultationA consultation is required for case-specific advice.
Other LMIA Streams
Academic is one of several ESDC LMIA streams, including high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, and Global Talent Stream.
Review all LMIA streams