Effective immediately, all employers recruiting foreign workers through the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) pathway must enable the “Direct Apply” feature on Canada’s national job platform, Job Bank, and must thoroughly review all applications submitted through this feature. Failure to do so may result in the LMIA being refused for not meeting advertising requirements.

Updated Advertising Rules

“Direct Apply” is now mandatory:
Previously, employers only needed to post on Job Bank for at least four weeks and use two additional recruitment methods. Now, you must ensure the “Direct Apply” feature is turned on, and you must review every application received through it.

Applies retroactively to existing postings:
Even positions that have already been posted must have this feature enabled. Otherwise, the LMIA may fail due to an incomplete recruitment process.

Serious consequences for non-compliance:
If “Direct Apply” is disabled or applications from Canadian citizens/permanent residents are ignored, Job Bank may place restrictions on the posting, which in turn can lead to LMIA refusal.

Background & Policy Rationale

This measure is intended to increase transparency in hiring, ensure Canadian workers are prioritized, and prevent employers from conducting merely formal recruitment while effectively bypassing the local labour force.

It also responds to external criticism regarding misuse of temporary worker programs, wage suppression, and neglect of local employment opportunities.

Altec Global Tips

For Employers:

• Ensure “Direct Apply” is enabled and confirm it is functioning before submitting the LMIA.

• Diligently review all applications received via this channel and maintain organized review records for audit purposes.

• Continue to use at least two additional recruitment methods (e.g., company website, LinkedIn, your own platforms) to satisfy multi-channel advertising requirements.

By strengthening the “Direct Apply” step in the LMIA recruitment process, the Government of Canada underscores that employers must genuinely consider local candidates and adhere to procedural compliance. This enhances fairness in hiring and reinforces employer accountability. We encourage both employers and applicants to adjust to these changes to ensure smooth applications and timely responses.

If you’re considering applying for Canadian LMIA, reach out to us today — we’ll help you plan ahead, choose the right strategies, and guide you every step of the way. CONTACT US Today.

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