Workers and employers in London can use Immigration London's free matching service to connect with a licensed professional who reviews LMIA and work-permit questions.
What an LMIA does
A labour market impact assessment is an employer-side process that may be needed before a foreign worker can apply for an employer-specific work permit. A positive LMIA generally supports the need for a foreign worker in the job.
What LMIA-exempt means
LMIA-exempt does not mean work-permit-exempt. It usually means the worker may use a different exemption category, employer offer process or open-work-permit basis instead of an LMIA. The permit conditions still matter.
Employer-specific vs open work permits
An employer-specific permit normally lists the employer, job or location conditions. An open work permit is less tied to one employer, but it still has rules and expiry dates. Do not assume you can work for any employer until the actual permit conditions are clear.
When to ask for help
Ask for help if the worker is changing employers, the job duties changed, the current permit is close to expiry, the employer is unsure about LMIA requirements or a previous work permit was refused.
Official references
Last updated June 23, 2026.