“LMIA guaranteed” posts are still flooding online spaces. These promises can feel like a lifeline—especially when your Express Entry CRS is low or your Post-Graduation Work Permit is about to expire. But high-paying LMIA job offers that require you to pay for the offer? That’s a red flag.

The Government of Canada does not allow employers to charge workers recruitment fees. If someone asks you to pay for a job offer, even a “guaranteed” LMIA, it’s likely a scam. These scams prey on those desperate to stay in Canada legally.

Always verify the employer’s legitimacy. Check if they’re registered with Service Canada and have a valid LMIA. Look up their business profile and read reviews. Real employers won’t pressure you to act fast or pay upfront.

Never pay for a job offer. A genuine job offer should come with a formal contract outlining your duties, hours, and salary. Ask for a copy before you commit. If they refuse, walk away.

Check wage compliance. Use the Government’s wage database to confirm the offered salary matches the standard for that job and location. If the pay seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you’re asked to pay or if your documents or wages are withheld, report the abuse. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has tools to report misconduct. Protect yourself and others by speaking up.

Have you seen a “paid LMIA job offer” online? Did you verify the employer before applying?

What steps do you take to confirm a job offer is real?

Have you ever been approached with a high-paying LMIA offer that felt suspicious?

Stay alert—your status and safety depend on it. Remember: no real LMIA job offer should cost you money.