Immigration Announcement
Planning to Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker in Canada? Know About LMIA Processing Times in 2025
If you’re an employer in Canada or a foreign national looking to work in the country, understanding Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times is essential. As of April 2025, processing timelines vary widely depending on the stream you apply through—some taking just days, others several months.
The LMIA is a required step in many employment-based immigration pathways. It helps the government assess whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative impact on Canada’s job market. Only after securing a positive LMIA can most foreign workers proceed to apply for a work permit.
Whether you’re hiring farmworkers, tech talent, or long-term permanent residents, knowing how long your LMIA may take can help you plan ahead.
Average LMIA Processing Times – April 2025
Here’s a snapshot of the average LMIA processing times last month, in business days:
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time |
| Global Talent Stream | 8 days |
| Agricultural Stream | 15 days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 8 days |
| High-Wage Stream | 61 days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 61 days |
| Permanent Resident Stream | 214 days |
These numbers can change month to month based on demand and application volume.
When Does LMIA Processing Start?
Your LMIA processing time begins when you submit a complete application through the LMIA Online portal.
An LMIA application is considered complete when:
- All required documents for the selected stream are submitted
- The employer has signed all necessary forms
- The processing fee (if applicable) is paid
Important: If your application is incomplete, it won’t be processed—and you won’t be charged the fee. This means missing even one required document could cost you valuable time.
LMIA Applications for Quebec
If the employment is in Quebec and the job offer is for more than 30 consecutive days, a few extra steps are required.
Your LMIA application 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 (MIFI)
- Follow the specific format required by Quebec’s provincial government
Employers must ensure they meet both federal and provincial requirements to avoid delays.
When Does LMIA Processing End?
Your LMIA processing time ends once you receive a decision letter from Service Canada. The letter will state whether your LMIA is approved (positive) or refused (negative).
If approved, the employer should provide the positive LMIA to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW), who can then apply for a work permit.
Planning Tips for Employers in 2025
Given the varying processing times, it’s important to prepare early—especially if hiring through high-wage, low-wage, or permanent resident streams, which can take two to seven months.
Here are a few ways to avoid unnecessary delays:
- Submit a complete application with all required documents
- Choose the right LMIA stream for the job offer
- Use the Global Talent Stream if eligible—it offers the fastest processing time
- Monitor monthly updates to processing times for accurate planning
- If hiring in Quebec, double-check both provincial and federal requirements
LMIA Processing Times in 2025 Are Stream-Specific – Plan Ahead!
Whether you’re an employer or a worker, keeping up with current LMIA processing times in 2025 is key to avoiding setbacks. While some streams like the Global Talent Stream move quickly, others—like the Permanent Resident stream—require more long-term planning. A clear, complete, and well-documented LMIA application can make the process much smoother. For the latest updates on Canada LMIA processing times, stay ahead with Canada Immigration News – so you can focus on hiring or working in Canada with confidence.
