Work in Canada
Canada LMIA Processing Times Rise for Most Streams in September 2026 Update
Employers planning to hire temporary foreign workers in Canada should factor in longer processing timelines after the latest LMIA processing times update.
Employment and Social Development Canada reported that average processing times increased for most Labour Market Impact Assessment streams in August 2026, with the largest increase recorded in the Permanent Residence stream.
The latest figures were published on September 10, 2026, and show that employers need to plan well ahead when an LMIA is required.
Latest Canada LMIA Processing Times
The following are the average processing times for LMIAs processed in August 2026:
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 business days |
| Agricultural Stream | 25 business days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 6 business days |
| High-Wage Stream | 90 business days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 82 business days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 156 business days |
ESDC explains that these figures represent the average number of business days Service Canada takes to assess an LMIA application and issue a decision once all required information has been received. Processing times can vary from month to month depending on application volumes.
Permanent Residence LMIA Stream Sees the Biggest Increase
The most significant change in the latest update was recorded under the Permanent Residence stream.
Processing increased to 156 business days, representing a substantial rise compared with the previous figure.
For employers using an LMIA as part of a permanent residence strategy for a foreign worker, this increase could have practical implications for recruitment and immigration planning.
A lengthy LMIA process can affect the timing of subsequent work permit or permanent residence steps.
High-Wage and Low-Wage LMIAs Also Require Planning
The average processing time for the High-Wage stream increased to 90 business days.
The Low-Wage stream reached 82 business days.
These timelines demonstrate why employers should not wait until a foreign worker’s intended start date is approaching before beginning the LMIA process.
ESDC recommends applying as soon as possible and notes that employers can apply up to six months before the expected job start date.
Global Talent Stream Remains Among the Fastest
The Global Talent Stream remained at approximately 10 business days.
That makes it considerably faster than the standard high-wage and low-wage LMIA streams, although employers must meet the requirements of the Global Talent Stream before they can use it.
Employers should therefore choose an LMIA stream based on the position and the applicable requirements rather than simply selecting the stream with the shortest published processing time.
Agricultural Processing Times Also Changed
The Agricultural stream increased to 25 business days.
By contrast, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program improved to 6 business days, down from the previous figure.
These differences highlight why LMIA timelines should be checked regularly rather than relying on historical averages.
The federal government updates its LMIA processing information monthly based on applications processed during the previous month.
LMIA Processing Time Does Not Include Advertising Requirements
One of the most important points for employers is that the published LMIA processing time is not the entire recruitment timeline.
Employers may have to complete minimum advertising and recruitment requirements before submitting an application.
Depending on the stream, required advertising can need to run for 14 days to eight weeks during the three months before the LMIA application is submitted.
That period is not included in the published LMIA processing figures.
This means an employer planning to hire a temporary foreign worker should build both recruitment and government processing time into the overall timeline.
When Does LMIA Processing Actually Start?
ESDC says processing begins after a complete LMIA application has been submitted through LMIA Online.
An application is considered complete when the required documents have been provided, the employer has signed the necessary documents and any applicable processing fee has been paid.
Incomplete applications are not processed and the applicable processing fee is not charged.
This makes application completeness particularly important.
A missing document or incomplete submission can prevent the application from entering the normal processing process.
What Happens After a Positive LMIA?
If Service Canada approves an LMIA, the employer receives a decision letter.
The employer can then provide the positive LMIA documentation to the foreign worker, who may use it when applying to IRCC for the applicable work permit.
The LMIA itself does not issue the worker’s Canadian work permit.
The federal immigration process remains a separate step.
What Should Employers Do About the Latest LMIA Delays?
Employers planning to hire foreign workers should build additional time into their recruitment plans.
A sensible planning approach is to:
- Identify the correct LMIA stream early
- Review recruitment and advertising requirements
- Prepare documents before submission
- Submit the application as early as possible
- Consider the current processing estimate when setting employment start dates; and
- Monitor monthly processing updates.
Employers should also remember that published processing times are averages rather than guarantees.
What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers?
Foreign workers should understand that an LMIA is generally an employer-driven process.
A worker cannot simply apply for an LMIA independently.
The Canadian employer is responsible for the LMIA application, and the foreign national generally applies for a work permit after receiving the necessary employer documentation and positive LMIA where required.
Workers whose current permits are approaching expiry should pay particular attention to maintaining legal status and obtaining appropriate advice about available options.
Quebec LMIA Applications Have Additional Requirements
Employers hiring for positions in Quebec may have additional provincial requirements.
For employment periods of more than 30 consecutive days, the LMIA application must be submitted to Service Canada and Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration in the required format.
This means employers hiring foreign workers in Quebec should account for the provincial component when planning their recruitment timelines.
The latest LMIA processing times for September 2026 show that most streams are taking longer than in the previous update.
The Permanent Residence stream recorded the largest increase at 156 business days, while High-Wage and Low-Wage applications stood at 90 and 82 business days, respectively.
The Global Talent Stream remained at 10 business days, while the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program fell to six.
Because LMIA processing times can change every month, employers should use the latest official figures when planning recruitment and avoid treating published averages as guaranteed timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current LMIA processing time for the High-Wage stream?
The average processing time reported for August 2026 was 90 business days.
2. Which LMIA stream has the fastest processing time?
Among the listed streams, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program had the shortest August 2026 average at six business days, followed by the Global Talent Stream at 10 business days.
3. How long is the LMIA Permanent Residence stream taking?
The August 2026 average was 156 business days.
4. Does LMIA processing time include advertising requirements?
No. Required recruitment and advertising periods are separate from the published LMIA processing time.
5. Can an employer apply for an LMIA before the job start date is close?
Yes. ESDC advises employers to apply as soon as possible and says an application can be submitted up to six months before the expected job start date.
