Top 10 Canadian Employers Offering LMIA-Based Jobs for Foreign Workers.

Canada’s economy in 2025 continues to thrive on innovation, natural resources, and a diverse workforce, making it a prime destination for international talent. With labor shortages persisting in sectors like technology, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) program plays a pivotal role in bridging these gaps. The LMIA, administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), ensures that hiring foreign workers does not negatively affect Canadian job opportunities while addressing genuine skill shortages. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, thousands of positive LMIAs were issued, enabling employers to sponsor over 50,000 temporary foreign workers (TFWs) across the country.

For foreign workers, securing an LMIA-based job offer is the gateway to a Canadian work permit, often leading to pathways for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This article ranks the top 10 Canadian employers actively offering LMIA-based opportunities in 2025, based on recent ESDC data, job postings on platforms like Job Bank, and industry reports. We’ll explore each company’s sponsorship practices, high-demand roles, salaries, and application tips. Whether you’re a software developer from India, a nurse from the Philippines, or a truck driver from Mexico, these employers prioritize global talent to fuel Canada’s growth.

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Understanding LMIA: The Foundation of Sponsorship for Foreign Workers

Before diving into the employers, it’s essential to grasp the LMIA process. An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers must obtain from ESDC before hiring a TFW. It assesses whether the foreign hire will have a positive or neutral impact on the local labor market, requiring employers to prove they’ve advertised the job (e.g., on Job Bank for at least four weeks) and couldn’t find a suitable Canadian candidate.

Types of LMIA Streams in 2025

• High-Wage Stream: For jobs paying above the provincial median wage (e.g., $30/hour in Ontario), ideal for skilled professionals. Processing time: 10-20 business days.
• Low-Wage Stream: For entry-level roles, capped at 10% of the workforce; common in agriculture and hospitality.
• Global Talent Stream: Fast-tracks tech and high-skill jobs to 10 days, exempt from some advertising requirements.

Fees for employers are $1,000 per position, but workers never pay for the LMIA—beware of scams promising “LMIA for sale.” Once approved, the employer provides a job offer, and you apply for a work permit via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2025, processing times for work permits average 4-8 weeks, with extensions possible up to four years.

Success tips: Tailor your resume to Canadian standards (concise, achievement-focused), highlight transferable skills, and use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. Resources like the Positive LMIA Employers List on Open Canada (updated quarterly) are invaluable for targeting sponsors.

Top 10 Canadian Employers Offering LMIA-Based Jobs in 2025

Drawing from 2025 Q1 ESDC data and job boards, these employers issued the most positive LMIAs, focusing on high-demand sectors. Salaries are national averages from Job Bank and Glassdoor, varying by province (e.g., higher in Alberta’s oil sands).

1. Amazon Canada

As Canada’s e-commerce giant, Amazon leads in LMIA sponsorships for logistics and tech roles, with over 1,000 approvals in 2025. Headquartered in Seattle but with massive operations in Ontario and British Columbia, Amazon addresses warehouse and IT shortages amid booming online retail.

• Key LMIA Roles: Warehouse Associates ($20-25/hour), Software Developers ($45-60/hour), Logistics Coordinators ($30-40/hour).
• Average Salary: $55,000-$95,000 annually, plus benefits like health coverage and stock options.
• Why Sponsor?: High turnover in fulfillment centers; Global Talent Stream for tech hires.
• Application Tips: Apply via amazon.jobs; emphasize efficiency metrics (e.g., “Processed 200+ orders/day”). LMIA processing: 10 days for tech.
• Provinces: Ontario (Mississauga), BC (Vancouver).

Foreign workers from Asia and Latin America thrive here, with pathways to PR via Canadian Experience Class.

2. Tim Hortons (Restaurant Brands International)

This iconic chain sponsors extensively for service roles, issuing 800+ LMIAs in 2025 due to staffing shortages in over 3,800 locations. Low-wage stream dominates, but management tracks qualify for high-wage.

• Key LMIA Roles: Baristas/Cashiers ($16-20/hour), Shift Supervisors ($22-28/hour), Restaurant Managers ($35-45/hour).
• Average Salary: $35,000-$60,000, with shift premiums and employee discounts.
• Why Sponsor?: Seasonal peaks and rural location challenges; 20% of frontline staff are TFWs.
• Application Tips: Use timhortons.ca/careers; showcase customer service experience. Free LMIA support for full-time hires.
• Provinces: Nationwide, especially Ontario and Alberta.

Ideal for entry-level workers from South Asia, with training programs leading to promotions.

3. RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)

Canada’s largest bank by market cap, RBC sponsors for finance and IT amid digital banking growth, with 500+ LMIAs in 2025.

• Key LMIA Roles: Financial Analysts ($35-50/hour), IT Specialists ($40-55/hour), Customer Service Reps ($25-30/hour).
• Average Salary: $70,000-$110,000, including bonuses and pension plans.
• Why Sponsor?: Cybersecurity and fintech expertise shortages; high-wage stream focus.
• Application Tips: Apply on rbc.com/careers; include CFA or IT certifications. Virtual assessments common.
• Provinces: Ontario (Toronto HQ), Quebec.

Attracts professionals from Europe and India, with intra-company transfers for executives.

4. Air Canada

The national airline sponsors pilots and ground crew, with 400 LMIAs amid aviation recovery, targeting bilingual talent.

• Key LMIA Roles: Pilots ($60-80/hour), Flight Attendants ($25-35/hour), Maintenance Engineers ($40-50/hour).
• Average Salary: $80,000-$150,000, plus travel perks.
• Why Sponsor?: Pilot shortage projected at 7,500 by 2025; high-wage exemptions.
• Application Tips: aircanada.com/careers; FAA/Transport Canada license equivalents. Networking via aviation forums.
• Provinces: Quebec (Montreal), Ontario.

Suits aviation pros from the Middle East and Europe.

5. Shopify

Ottawa-based e-commerce platform leads tech sponsorships, with 350 LMIAs under Global Talent Stream for developers.

• Key LMIA Roles: Software Engineers ($50-70/hour), Data Scientists ($45-65/hour), Product Managers ($40-55/hour).
• Average Salary: $100,000-$140,000, with equity and remote options.
• Why Sponsor?: Rapid scaling; 30% workforce international.
• Application Tips: shopify.com/careers; GitHub portfolio essential. Hackathons for visibility.
• Provinces: Ontario, remote nationwide.

Popular with coders from Ukraine and Nigeria.

6. Magna International

Auto parts manufacturer in Ontario sponsors engineers, with 300 LMIAs for EV transition roles.

• Key LMIA Roles: Mechanical Engineers ($40-55/hour), Welders ($25-35/hour), Quality Inspectors ($30-40/hour).
• Average Salary: $75,000-$105,000, union benefits.
• Why Sponsor?: Manufacturing labor gaps; high-wage stream.
• Application Tips: magna.com/careers; engineering degree required. Co-op programs for juniors.
• Provinces: Ontario, Michigan border plants.

Draws talent from Germany and Mexico.

7. Maple Leaf Foods

Food processing leader sponsors for agriculture and operations, 250+ LMIAs in 2025.

• Key LMIA Roles: Food Processors ($18-22/hour), Truck Drivers ($25-30/hour), Supervisors ($30-40/hour).
• Average Salary: $40,000-$70,000, health plans.
• Why Sponsor?: Seasonal harvesting; low-to-high wage mix.
• Application Tips: mapleleaffoods.com/careers; food safety certs. Rural postings on Job Bank.
• Provinces: Manitoba, Ontario.

Favors workers from the Philippines and India.

8. Scotiabank

Global bank sponsors finance pros, 200 LMIAs for analytics roles.

• Key LMIA Roles: Accountants ($35-45/hour), Risk Analysts ($40-50/hour), Branch Managers ($45-55/hour).
• Average Salary: $80,000-$120,000.
• Why Sponsor?: International expansion; bilingual needs.
• Application Tips: scotiabank.com/careers; CPA designation.
• Provinces: Ontario, international hubs.

Targets Latin American finance experts.

9. TD Bank

Sponsors for customer-facing and tech, 200 LMIAs.

• Key LMIA Roles: Tellers ($20-25/hour), Data Analysts ($35-45/hour), Compliance Officers ($40-50/hour).
• Average Salary: $50,000-$100,000.
• Why Sponsor?: Digital transformation.
• Application Tips: td.com/careers; soft skills emphasis.
• Provinces: Nationwide.

Inclusive for diverse backgrounds.

10. Loblaw Companies

Retail giant sponsors for grocery ops, 150 LMIAs.

• Key LMIA Roles: Shelf Stockers ($17-20/hour), Pharmacists ($45-55/hour), Managers ($30-40/hour).
• Average Salary: $35,000-$90,000.
• Why Sponsor?: Supply chain strains.
• Application Tips: loblaw.ca/careers; retail experience.
• Provinces: Ontario, BC.

Great for entry-level from Eastern Europe.

How to Land an LMIA-Based Job with These Employers

1. Search Strategically: Use Job Bank (filter “Temporary Foreign Workers”) and LMIA.work for past sponsors.
2. Prepare Documents: Passport, credentials evaluation (WES), proof of funds ($2,500 CAD minimum).
3. Network: LinkedIn groups like “Foreign Workers in Canada”; attend virtual fairs.
4. Avoid Pitfalls: No fees for LMIA; report abuse to ESDC (1-866-602-9448).
5. Post-Offer Steps: IRCC portal for work permit; SIN application upon arrival.

Challenges include processing delays (mitigate with premium service) and cultural adaptation (use settlement.org for support).

The Future of LMIA Sponsorship in Canada

In 2025, ESDC forecasts 100,000+ LMIAs amid economic rebound, with emphasis on green jobs and AI. TFWs contribute $20B+ to GDP annually, underscoring their value. Start your journey on canada.ca—your Canadian chapter begins now.