The Canadian government has introduced a new rule that affects employers who want to hire workers through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. From now on, all employers must use the “Direct Apply” feature on Canada’s official Job Bank website when advertising LMIA-based jobs.
This change is meant to make the hiring process more transparent and to ensure that Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given a fair chance to apply for jobs before employers hire foreign workers.
What Employers Need to Know
Employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must now enable Direct Apply on all LMIA-related job postings. This means job seekers can apply directly through the Job Bank, and employers must review every application received this way.
Before this rule, employers only had to post jobs on the Job Bank for at least four weeks, plus advertise in two other ways (like their own website, LinkedIn, or another job board). However, they were not required to enable Direct Apply. Now, Direct Apply is mandatory by default.
If an employer ignores applications sent through Direct Apply, or if they post a job without this feature, they could be found non-compliant and their LMIA application could be rejected.
Employers are still required to use two additional methods of recruitment besides the Job Bank, but Direct Apply must always be turned on.
Impact on Employers
The new rule raises the bar for employers. They can no longer simply advertise the job—they must also prove that they seriously considered applications from Canadians and permanent residents who applied through Direct Apply.
If an employer fails to meet this requirement, it could affect their four-week minimum advertising period and may cause their LMIA application to fail.
This is part of Ottawa’s larger effort to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada and ensure the TFWP is not being misused.
Impact on Job Seekers
For job seekers, this change is a big help. With Direct Apply enabled, you can now apply directly on the Job Bank website without needing to visit an employer’s separate application portal or create extra accounts.
All you need is a Job Bank “Plus” account. From there, you can select your resume and apply with just a few clicks. This makes the process faster and easier, especially for those actively looking for LMIA-supported opportunities.
Jobs Exempt from LMIA Advertising
Not all LMIA-based jobs need to be advertised. Some roles are exempt, such as:
- Certain academic positions like visiting professors or guest lecturers
- Camp counsellors
- Specific entertainment industry jobs
- In-Home Caregivers
For a complete list of exemptions, you can visit the official government page.
Why This Change Matters
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has faced criticism in recent years. Some argue that employers rely on it too heavily, using it to access cheaper labour rather than investing in Canadian workers. Others raise concerns about wage suppression and poor working conditions.
By making Direct Apply mandatory, the government aims to show that Canadians and permanent residents are always given a fair chance at available jobs before foreign workers are hired.
1. What is Direct Apply?
Direct Apply is a feature on the Job Bank website that allows job seekers to apply directly to a posting with just one click. Employers must now enable this feature for all LMIA-based jobs.
2. What happens if an employer ignores Direct Apply applications?
If employers ignore or refuse to review applications from Canadians or permanent residents, their LMIA application can be denied.
3. Does this rule apply to all jobs?
No. Some jobs are exempt from the LMIA advertising requirement, such as certain academic, entertainment, and caregiving roles.
4. Do employers still need to advertise elsewhere?
Yes. Employers must still use at least two other methods of advertising in addition to the Job Bank posting.
5. Why did the government make this change?
The change was introduced to protect Canadian workers, increase transparency, and reduce over-reliance on temporary foreign labour.
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