LMIA CheckEnter the number exactly as it appears — usually labelled "LMIA #" or "File Number"
What a real LMIA approval letter looks like
- ✓Addressed to the employer — not to you. The worker is never the recipient of an LMIA.
- ✓Issued on official ESDC letterhead with a Government of Canada header.
- ✓Contains a 7-digit LMIA number (e.g. 9783145) labelled "LMIA #" or "File Number".
- ✓Lists the specific job title, wage, and number of positions approved.
- ✓Signed by a Service Canada officer — not a recruiter or consultant.
- ✗Is NOT sent directly to the worker by the employer or recruiter — the employer receives it from ESDC.
- ✗Does NOT guarantee your work permit — it only allows the employer to make an offer.
Verify directly with Service Canada
This is the only way to confirm an LMIA is genuine. It is free and takes about 5 minutes.
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Use this exact script
"I am a foreign worker and I received a job offer from [employer name] in [province]. I want to verify that LMIA number [your number] is valid and was approved for this employer."
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Have this information ready
- Employer name (exactly as on the document)
- Province or territory
- The LMIA number
- Job title on the offer
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If they cannot find it
If Service Canada has no record of the LMIA number — stop all contact with the employer and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
Also verify the employer
An LMIA number check is not complete without also checking whether the employer is on the government non-compliant list.
Check the employer →lmiacheck.ca cannot access ESDC systems or confirm LMIA validity. Format checking is a preliminary step only. Always verify with Service Canada directly before making any decision.