Can a positive LMIA be changed?
For employers and their representatives. ESDC never re-approves a positive LMIA: the employer decides whether a change is minor (some must be reported) or material (a new LMIA may be needed). Worker names have their own request form. A few questions find ESDC's rule for the change.
Every quote below was checked word for word on IRCC’s own pages on October 25, 2026. Each answer names its source page and that page’s date.
What IRCC says, situation by situation
Yes, if form EMP5661 arrives at least 15 business days before the LMIA expires.
Yes: send form EMP5661 at least 15 business days before the LMIA expires
In IRCC’s words:
“To add, remove or change the names of temporary foreign workers after being issued a positive named or unnamed LMIA, send a completed Request to add or remove a name on an LMIA (ESDC-EMP5661) form by email to the Service Canada processing centre that initially processed the LMIA.”
“The request form must be received at least 15 business days before the LMIA expiry date.”
“When the request is to add 10 names or less, you can also call the Employer Contact Centre for assistance.”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
Yes, if form EMP5661 arrives 15 business days before expiry and goes to MIFI too.
Yes: send form EMP5661 at least 15 business days before expiry, and to MIFI at the same time
In IRCC’s words:
“To add, remove or change the names of temporary foreign workers after being issued a positive named or unnamed LMIA, send a completed Request to add or remove a name on an LMIA (ESDC-EMP5661) form by email to the Service Canada processing centre that initially processed the LMIA.”
“The request form must be received at least 15 business days before the LMIA expiry date.”
“The request must be simultaneously submitted to the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) .”
“When the request is to add 10 names or less, you can also call the Employer Contact Centre for assistance.”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
No: names can't be changed on a permanent residence or dual intent LMIA.
Not for a permanent residence or dual intent LMIA
In IRCC’s words:
“The names of temporary foreign workers on a positive LMIA can't be added, removed or changed if:”
“the application is for permanent residence or dual intent”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
No: names can't be changed on a Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program LMIA.
Not for a Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program LMIA
In IRCC’s words:
“The names of temporary foreign workers on a positive LMIA can't be added, removed or changed if:”
“the application is for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
No: names can't be changed once the LMIA has expired.
Not once the LMIA has expired
In IRCC’s words:
“The names of temporary foreign workers on a positive LMIA can't be added, removed or changed if:”
“the LMIA has expired”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
No: a name can't be removed or changed once the work permit is applied for or issued.
Not to remove or change a worker whose work permit is applied for or issued
In IRCC’s words:
“The names of temporary foreign workers on a positive LMIA can't be added, removed or changed if:”
“the work permit application has been submitted, or the work permit has been issued (only for requests to remove or change a name)”
Source: IRCC, page dated August 4, 2026
Yes: a minor duty change that keeps the NOC code needs no report.
Yes: minor duty changes that keep the NOC code need no report
In IRCC’s words:
“Minor changes in job duties that wouldn’t modify the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code”
“Examples of minor modifications that don't need to be reported”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Yes: a raise within ESDC's limit needs no report.
Yes: a raise within ESDC's limit needs no report
In IRCC’s words:
“Increase in wages equal to or less than the highest of:”
“annual average inflation rate of previous year. Rate to be used in 2026 is 2.1%”
“Examples of minor modifications that don't need to be reported”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Yes: a raise to comply with the law needs no report.
Yes: a raise to comply with the law needs no report
In IRCC’s words:
“Increase in wages to comply with federal, provincial or territorial laws”
“Examples of minor modifications that don't need to be reported”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Yes, but the employer must report it to the Employer Contact Centre.
Yes, but report it to ESDC's Employer Contact Centre
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in work location within the same economic region but no change in work activities or employer”
“Examples of minor modifications that must be reported without submitting a new LMIA”
“Contact ESDC’s Employer Contact Centre to report changes. The employer is responsible for determining whether a modification is considered minor or material. Employer Contact Centre agents can’t advise you on whether a modification is considered minor or material.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Yes, but the employer must report it to the Employer Contact Centre.
Yes, but report it to ESDC's Employer Contact Centre
In IRCC’s words:
“Administrative errors (for example, a spelling mistake)”
“Changes to your contact information or to the contact information of your representative (either appointed by a third party or by you)”
“Examples of minor modifications that must be reported without submitting a new LMIA”
“Contact ESDC’s Employer Contact Centre to report changes. The employer is responsible for determining whether a modification is considered minor or material. Employer Contact Centre agents can’t advise you on whether a modification is considered minor or material.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Yes: report it to the Employer Contact Centre, without a new LMIA.
Report it to ESDC's Employer Contact Centre
In IRCC’s words:
“Information on an employment relationship breakdown (for example, layoff, leave of absence, deportation, or job offer cancellation or refusal)”
“Examples of minor modifications that must be reported without submitting a new LMIA”
“Contact ESDC’s Employer Contact Centre to report changes. The employer is responsible for determining whether a modification is considered minor or material. Employer Contact Centre agents can’t advise you on whether a modification is considered minor or material.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change of NOC code is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change of NOC code is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in occupation or job duties, including promotions or demotions, which would modify the NOC code”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change of employer is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change of employer is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in employer”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“This includes assigning workers to another work site owned/operated under a different or affiliated employer for a period of time, even if wages are being paid by the primary employer”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a raise above ESDC's limit is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A raise above ESDC's limit is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Increase in wages greater than the highest of:”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“annual average inflation rate of previous year. Rate to be used in 2026 is 2.1%”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: any wage decrease is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
Any wage decrease is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Any decrease in wages”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change in hours is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change in hours is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in stipulated hours for temporary foreign workers”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change in benefits is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change in benefits is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in benefits or non-monetary compensation offered”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change in educational requirements is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change in educational requirements is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Change in educational requirements”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No: a change of stream is material, so a new LMIA may be needed.
A change of stream is material: a new LMIA may be needed
In IRCC’s words:
“Changes that would result in a modification to the LMIA application stream”
“Examples of material changes that don’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes”
“The information below will help you determine whether your modification is considered material. If so, you may need to submit a new LMIA application or voluntarily disclose if changes to a positive LMIA have already been made.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
No, but ESDC recommends disclosing it voluntarily.
ESDC recommends voluntary disclosure
In IRCC’s words:
“If you’ve already made a modification that doesn’t respect the terms of the positive LMIA letter and annexes, we recommend that you voluntarily disclose this to ESDC.”
“The only way we can determine whether modifications are justified is by conducting an inspection. When unjustified, you may be found non-compliant and subject to consequences such as a warning, an administrative monetary penalty or a ban from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
Not yet: the employer must decide whether the change is minor or material.
The employer decides whether it is minor or material; ESDC's agents can't advise
In IRCC’s words:
“The employer is responsible for determining whether a modification is considered minor or material. Employer Contact Centre agents can’t advise you on whether a modification is considered minor or material.”
“Once a positive LMIA is issued, there are limits to what you can change without having to apply and pay for a new LMIA. In some cases, you can make minor modifications without submitting a new LMIA.”
“We won’t re-approve or reassess your previously issued positive LMIA letter and its annexes, and under no circumstances provide authorization for a change in these documents.”
Source: IRCC, page dated January 20, 2026
What would change the answer
- Whether the change keeps the NOC code, the employer and the wage limit.
- Whether the work permit has been applied for or issued, and the LMIA's expiry date.
- Changes already made: ESDC recommends voluntary disclosure.
What you might not have asked yet
Sources
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/modification-positive-lmia · page dated January 20, 2026
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/median-wage/after-apply · page dated August 4, 2026
Other answers
- Am I eligible for an Express Entry program?
- As a caregiver, can I change jobs, move, or apply for PR?
- As an asylum claimant, can I get a work or study permit?
- Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada (or for my child)?
- Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
- Can I apply for a work permit when I arrive at the border?
- Can I change employers on my work permit?
- Can I change the sex or gender identifier on my IRCC documents?
- Can I come to Canada as a business visitor, without a work permit?
- Can I come to Canada with a criminal record?
- Can I get a bridging open work permit?
- Can I get a post-graduation work permit, and can I work while I wait?
- Can I get an immigration loan, and how do I repay it?
- Can I get two-week work permit processing?
- Can I immigrate as a self-employed person or start-up founder?
- Can I include or sponsor my child, and up to what age?
- Can I keep my permanent resident status, and travel without a PR card?
- Can I keep working while my work permit extension is processed?
- Can I leave Canada and come back on my permit or status?
- Can I sponsor a refugee?
- Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents?
- Can I stay in Canada as a visitor, and for longer than I was given?
- Can I take a short course in Canada without a study permit?
- Can I take free government-funded language classes?
- Can I take part in International Experience Canada (again)?
- Can I work while I study in Canada?
- Can my family come with me while I work or study in Canada?
- Can my spouse or partner work in Canada?
- Could a health condition make me inadmissible to Canada (excessive demand)?
- Do I need a language test, and which one counts?
- Do I need a representative, and who may help me?
- Do I need a visa or an eTA to come to Canada?
- Do I need an immigration medical exam?
- Do I need police certificates?
- Do I need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo), or give them again?
- Does my credential assessment (ECA) let me work in my profession?
- Does the employer have to invite Job Match candidates?
- Does the low-wage cap apply to this employer?
- Does this LMIA job ad meet ESDC's advertising rules?
- My application was refused: can I still do something about it?
- My employer is treating me unfairly: can I get help and keep my status?
- Will I lose my other citizenship if I become Canadian?
Written by AHI Life from IRCC’s own pages; the quotes are IRCC’s words, re-read on their pages every day. General information, not legal advice, and not yet reviewed by a licensed consultant (RCIC). Only a licensed representative may charge you for immigration advice.