Work in Canada
Faster LMIA Processing Times: What Employers Need to Know in 2025
If you’re an employer planning to hire foreign talent in Canada, the time it takes to process a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) matters. Canada’s updated LMIA processing times were officially released by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on June 10, 2025 and there’s good news for most industries.
With lower wait times in several major streams, employers can now plan with more certainty. However, it’s not all faster; some streams are seeing delays. Whether you’re hiring under the Global Talent Stream or the High-Wage Stream, this update can affect your recruitment plans.
Here we have highlighted what they mean for employers, and how you can move forward with confidence.
LMIA Processing Times by Stream: June 2025 Update
Here’s a quick breakdown of current average processing times for each LMIA stream, based on data from all Canadian processing centres:
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time | Change |
| Global Talent Stream | 7 business days | ↓ 1 day |
| Agricultural Stream | 14 business days | ↓ 1 day |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 8 business days | No change |
| High-Wage Stream | 50 business days | ↓ 11 days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 50 business days | ↓ 11 days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 235 business days | ↑ 21 days |
Canada’s updated LMIA processing times reflect a broader strategy to reduce delays and help employers manage their staffing needs more efficiently.
What These Numbers Mean for Employers
Shorter processing times can be a big relief, especially for businesses in high-demand industries. Let’s break down how this affects each stream:
1. Global Talent Stream
- Now averaging just 7 business days.
- Best option for employers looking to hire highly-skilled professionals in tech, science, or engineering.
- Ideal for companies needing to fill roles quickly.
2. Agricultural Streams
- Main Agricultural Stream is down to 14 days.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program remains stable at 8 days.
- Useful for farms and agri-businesses that depend on seasonal or full-time help during peak harvest times.
3. High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams
- Both now average 50 business days, down by 11 days.
- Applies to a wide range of industries like manufacturing, hospitality, and logistics.
- Reduced processing time helps businesses plan more effectively, especially when turnover is high.
4. Permanent Residence Stream
- The only stream with increased processing time is now at 235 business days.
- Employers looking to support workers for permanent residency should be prepared for longer timelines.
When LMIA Processing Begins and Ends
Start of Processing
Your LMIA application officially enters the queue once it’s complete. That means:
- All forms and documents are submitted
- All required signatures are in place
- Payment is successfully made
- Incomplete applications are not processed. You won’t be charged, but you’ll lose valuable time.
End of Processing
Processing ends when you receive a final decision letter from Service Canada. If your application is approved, the temporary foreign worker (TFW) can then apply for a work permit using the positive LMIA.
Tips to Speed Up Your LMIA Process
To avoid delays and make the most of Canada’s updated LMIA processing times, follow these steps:
- Double-check documentation: Missing or incorrect information is a top cause of delays.
- Use LMIA Online: This is the fastest submission method.
- Consult official checklists: ESDC provides specific requirements for each stream.
- Apply during low-volume periods: Avoid high application seasons if possible.
For employers in Quebec
Applications must also be submitted to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) and meet provincial format requirements.
Plan Better with Canada’s Updated LMIA Processing Times
These new timelines give Canadian employers a clearer picture when planning their staffing strategy. Canada’s updated LMIA processing times are especially helpful for businesses that rely on seasonal labour, skilled professionals, or roles that require quick onboarding.
While the Permanent Residence stream has seen an increase in delays, other streams have become more efficient. This update reinforces the importance of choosing the right LMIA stream for your hiring needs. If you’re planning to hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, this is the perfect time to revisit your timelines and make informed decisions.
