Work in Canada
Canada LMIA Processing Times have Increased Across Most Streams
If your business depends on hiring international workers, this is news you need to read carefully. Employment and Social Development Canada recently updated the processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessment applications across all major streams. For most categories, Canada LMIA processing times have gone up. But there is also some genuinely good news buried in the update, especially for employers focused on permanent residence pathways. Here is a full breakdown of what changed and what it means for employers and workers planning their next steps.
What are Canada LMIA Processing Times and Why Do They Matter?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document that most Canadian employers need before they can hire a foreign worker. It proves to the government that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill the role. The processing time is how long it takes Service Canada to review the application and issue a decision after receiving a complete submission.
LMIA processing times matter because they directly affect hiring timelines. If you are planning to bring a worker on board by a certain date, you need to factor in how long the assessment will take, plus the additional time required for the worker to apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. A delay in the LMIA stage can push back the entire timeline by weeks or even months.
The Updated LMIA Processing Times by Stream
The following table reflects the latest average processing times based on statistics from all Service Canada processing centres.
| Stream | Average Processing Time (Business Days) |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 (up 2 days) |
| Agricultural Stream | 22 (up 1 day) |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 11 (up 1 day) |
| High-Wage Stream | 64 |
| Low-Wage Stream | 61 (up 3 days) |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 114 (down 26 days) |
The Permanent Residence Stream is Moving Faster
The standout development in this update is the sharp improvement in the Permanent Residence Stream. Processing times for that category dropped by 26 business days, bringing the average to 114 business days. For context, that is a significant shift. Employers who are sponsoring workers for permanent residence through LMIA-based pathways will likely see faster decisions, which can meaningfully accelerate the overall timeline toward a worker securing Canadian permanent residency.
This improvement suggests that Service Canada has either increased resources, cleared a backlog, or both within this stream. For workers and employers planning long-term, this is a positive development worth noting.
What the Increases Mean for Employers
The increases across most streams are modest in some cases but worth planning around. The Low-Wage Stream, which many small businesses rely on for essential service roles, added three days, bringing the average to 61 business days. The Global Talent Stream, designed for highly specialized technology roles with a target of 10 business days, is still among the fastest LMIA processing times in the system but has ticked up by two days.
The Agricultural Stream and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program also saw minor increases. Employers in these sectors often work within tight seasonal windows, so even a one-day increase can add pressure when planting or harvesting timelines are fixed.
How to Plan Around LMIA Processing Times?
Service Canada recommends submitting LMIA applications as early as possible, and up to six months before the expected start date for the position. This is especially important given that advertising requirements must be completed before submission. Depending on the stream, positions must be advertised for a minimum of 14 days and up to eight weeks prior to applying, and that advertising period is separate from the LMIA processing time itself.
Once a positive LMIA is issued, the employer provides a copy of the decision letter to the foreign worker, who can then apply to IRCC for a work permit. The LMIA processing time ends when Service Canada issues its decision. Planning the overall timeline means accounting for both phases.
For positions in Quebec lasting more than 30 consecutive days, applications must be submitted simultaneously to Service Canada and Quebec’s MIFI. That dual submission requirement adds another layer of coordination that employers should build into their planning calendar.
Staying on Top of LMIA Processing Times
These figures are updated monthly and can shift based on the volume of applications received in any given period. What is true in one month may look different the next. Employers planning to hire foreign workers should check the latest Canada LMIA processing times regularly and build buffer time into their hiring plans to account for fluctuations.
Canada Immigration News will continue to track and report on updates to LMIA processing times as they are released by ESDC. Whether you are a first-time employer in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or a seasoned operator managing multiple streams, staying informed is the best way to keep your hiring plans on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LMIA and why does it take time to process?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment confirms that no qualified Canadian worker was available for a specific role before a foreign national is hired. Service Canada reviews each application, and processing time begins once a complete submission, with all required documents, signatures, and fees, is received.
Which LMIA stream has the fastest processing time?
The Global Talent Stream currently has the shortest average LMIA processing time at 10 business days. It is designed for roles in specialized technology sectors.
Why did the Permanent Residence Stream processing time drop so significantly?
The 26-day reduction likely reflects improved internal capacity or a reduction in application volume for that stream. Service Canada has not publicly explained the specific cause of the improvement.
When should employers submit an LMIA application?
As early as possible, and up to six months before the expected job start date. This allows buffer time for advertising requirements, processing, and the subsequent work permit application.
Do LMIA processing times include the advertising period?
No. The advertising period, which can range from 14 days to 8 weeks depending on the stream, must be completed before the application is even submitted. It is separate from the official processing time.
