Work in Canada
Ottawa Updates LMIA Processing Times for Six Streams
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released updated LMIA processing time figures on July 9, 2026, covering six streams, the document most employers need before hiring a temporary foreign worker. Based on statistics pulled from processing centres nationwide, the average LMIA processing time improved across most streams this month, with two notable exceptions. The High-wage and Low-wage streams both moved in the opposite direction, taking longer than they did previously.
What Changed This Month
| Stream | Processing Time | Change |
| Global Talent Stream | 9 business days | -1 day |
| Agricultural Stream | 22 business days | No change |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 9 business days | -2 days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 99 business days | -15 days |
| High-wage Stream | 79 business days | +15 days |
| Low-wage Stream | 71 business days | +10 days |
Understanding LMIA Processing Times
An LMIA processing time reflects the average number of business days Service Canada needs to assess an application and issue a decision, once every required piece of information has been received. ESDC updates this table monthly, and the figures reflect applications processed the previous month, so they can shift noticeably depending on how many employers applied and which streams saw the heaviest volume.
The fastest-moving stream this month was the Global Talent Stream, which supports employers hiring highly skilled tech and innovation talent, now sitting at 9 business days after shaving off another day from last month. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program improved by two days, also landing at 9 business days, good news heading into the busiest stretch of the growing season.
Permanent Residence Stream Sees The Biggest Improvement
The standout figure this month is the Permanent Residence stream, which dropped by 15 business days to reach 99 days overall. For employers supporting a foreign worker’s transition to permanent status, that improvement can meaningfully shorten an already long process.
On the other side of the ledger, the High-wage and Low-wage streams, which cover the bulk of general temporary foreign worker hiring outside of agriculture and specialized talent, both slowed down. High-wage climbed by 15 business days to 79, and Low-wage rose by 10 business days to 71. Employers relying on these two streams should factor the added delay into their hiring timelines, particularly for positions with a firm start date.
What Employers Should Do Before Applying
Employers planning to hire a temporary foreign worker are encouraged to apply as early as possible, up to six months before the expected job start date, and to account for the minimum advertising requirements that must be completed beforehand. Depending on the stream, a position must be advertised for anywhere from 14 days to 8 weeks within the three months prior to submitting the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and that advertising window is separate from, and in addition to, the processing time itself.
An application is only considered complete once every required document for the relevant stream has been submitted, the employer has signed all necessary paperwork, and the processing fee has been paid where applicable. Incomplete applications are not processed and will not be charged the fee, which can create confusion for employers who assume submission alone starts the clock. For roles in Quebec lasting more than 30 consecutive days, applications must be submitted at the same time to both Service Canada and Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, in the format the provincial government requires.
When Processing Ends And What Comes Next
Processing time officially ends once the employer receives a decision letter from Service Canada, either positive or negative. A positive LMIA lets the employer pass a copy of that letter to the temporary foreign worker, who can then apply for a work permit. Workers already in Canada should apply for their new work permit either after their employer receives a positive LMIA or within two weeks of their current permit’s expiry, whichever comes first.
The split between faster specialized streams and slower general streams tells a fairly clear story: ESDC appears to be prioritizing processing capacity toward permanent residence transitions and highly skilled talent, while general high-wage and low-wage hiring absorbs more of the wait. Employers with flexibility in their hiring streams may find it worthwhile to review whether their role fits a faster-moving category before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current processing time for the Global Talent Stream?
9 business days, down one day from the previous update.
Which LMIA stream saw the biggest improvement this month?
The Permanent Residence stream improved the most, dropping 15 business days to a total of 99 business days.
Why did the High-wage and Low-wage streams slow down?
ESDC’s monthly figures reflect application volume from the prior month, and both streams saw longer average processing times, up 15 and 10 business days respectively, likely reflecting higher demand.
How far in advance should an employer apply for an LMIA?
Employers are encouraged to apply as early as possible and up to six months before the expected job start date, factoring in advertising requirements that must be completed beforehand.
When can a foreign worker apply for a work permit after an LMIA is approved?
Once the employer receives a positive LMIA decision letter, they can share it with the worker, who can then apply for a work permit, or apply within two weeks of their current permit’s expiry.
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