New Advertising Rules for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Jobs in Canada

Canada has rolled out significant changes to how employers must advertise LMIA-based positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These updates aim to strengthen recruitment standards, ensure fair hiring practices, and support Canada’s goal of reducing its reliance on temporary residents.

Mandatory Use of the “Direct Apply” Feature on Job Bank

Key Change: Employers seeking a positive LMIA must now enable the “Direct Apply” feature on all Job Bank postings.

• Previously: Employers needed to post LMIA-based jobs on the Job Bank for at least four consecutive weeks, plus two other recruitment methods. However, using Direct Apply was optional.

• Now: Direct Apply is mandatory. Employers must review all applications received via this feature.

Failure to comply can result in LMIA rejection and restrictions on Job Bank postings. This means employers must be proactive and transparent in evaluating all Canadian and permanent resident candidates who apply through Direct Apply.

Real-world example: A manufacturing firm in Ontario planning to hire a welder through the TFWP must post on Job Bank with Direct Apply enabled. If they ignore any Canadian applicants who applied through this feature, their LMIA could be denied—even if they followed other advertising rules.

Impact on Employers

• Employers must:

  • Post jobs on Job Bank for 4+ weeks

  • Enable Direct Apply

  • Review all Direct Apply submissions

  • Provide 2 additional application methods (e.g., company website or LinkedIn)

• Risk of non-compliance: If employers ignore Direct Apply resumes or disable the feature, their job posting can be restricted, and they may fail the LMIA advertising requirement.

Impact on Job Seekers

For foreign workers aiming for Canadian immigration:

• Faster applications: With Direct Apply, job seekers can apply instantly using their Job Bank Plus account.

• More visibility: Employers are now required to review their applications, improving the chances of consideration.

Example: An international student who graduated as an IT specialist can directly apply to LMIA-supported jobs through Job Bank, improving their prospects for a valid job offer and, eventually, PR.

Ontario to Remove Barriers for Out-of-Province Regulated Workers

The Ontario government has introduced the “As of Right” framework to help certified professionals from other provinces work in Ontario faster.

What Is the “As of Right” Framework?

Starting January 1, 2026, professionals certified in other provinces or territories can begin working in Ontario within 10 business days of credential validation, and work for up to 6 months while completing full registration with the Ontario regulatory body.

• Applies to over 50 regulatory bodies and 300 professions (e.g., engineers, electricians, architects)

• Reduces licensing time from 6 months to just 10 days

⚡ Example: A certified electrician from British Columbia could relocate and start work in Ontario in less than two weeks, instead of waiting months for licensing approval.

Healthcare Professionals Under the New Rules

Certain healthcare roles are included:

• Physicians, surgeons, nurses (RNs, RPNs, NPs), respiratory therapists, and medical lab technologists from other provinces

• Board-certified doctors and registered nurses from the United States

These workers can start immediately if they meet 10 eligibility conditions, easing healthcare staff shortages.

Interprovincial Mobility Beyond Ontario

Ontario has signed agreements with 10 other provinces and territories to allow reciprocal labour mobility, letting Ontario-certified workers move and work elsewhere in Canada more easily. This ensures a consistent standard across provinces for regulated professions.

Pathway to PR: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Foreign workers who secure employment in Ontario can transition to Canadian permanent residence through OINP streams, such as:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

These streams often align with regulated professions impacted by the new “As of Right” rules. Ontario also has Express Entry–linked streams like:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream

• Skilled Trades Stream

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

Example: A nurse from Nova Scotia can quickly start working in Ontario under the As of Right framework and later apply for PR through the OINP’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, supported by an LMIA-based job offer.

Conclusion: A New Era for Canadian Immigration and Labour Mobility

Canada’s new LMIA advertising rules and Ontario’s “As of Right” framework mark a major shift towards transparent hiring and faster labour mobility. These policies benefit:

• Employers – by streamlining recruitment and compliance

• Job seekers – by increasing fair access to opportunities

• Immigration hopefuls – by offering faster, clearer pathways to PR

If you’re an international student, skilled worker, or professional looking to build your future in Canada, this is the perfect time to explore LMIA-supported jobs, take advantage of labour mobility reforms, and plan your pathway to permanent residence.

Start today — your Canadian dream career could be just one application away.