Work in Canada
New LMIA Processing Times Updated for November 2025
Canada continues to rely on skilled workers from around the world to fill labour gaps and strengthen industries. To support this, employers often apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, known as an LMIA, when hiring foreign workers. On November 6 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada updated the current LMIA processing times across multiple streams.
This update matters because LMIA processing times can influence hiring decisions, worker start dates, and workforce planning in every province. The new timelines reflect how Canada is balancing labour demand with careful program evaluation to maintain fairness and efficiency across sectors.
As Canada continues strengthening its labour market, these adjustments support both employers who need workers and foreign nationals planning to build their careers here.
Latest LMIA Processing Times as of November 2025
The updated LMIA processing times are based on averages across all processing centres:
| LMIA Stream | Current Processing Time | Change from Previous Update |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 business days | plus 2 days |
| Agricultural Stream | 16 business days | plus 3 days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 11 business days | plus 4 days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 267 business days | plus 7 days |
| High Wage Stream | 41 business days | plus 3 days |
| Low Wage Stream | 44 business days | plus 3 days |
These timelines help employers plan when to submit applications and estimate onboarding dates.
Why Processing Times Can Shift
The LMIA processing times reflect real activity in the Canadian labour market. When certain industries hire more workers or require seasonal support, ESDC may receive a higher volume of LMIA applications, which affects wait times.
Several factors influence processing speeds:
- Number of applications submitted in a given period
- Seasonal labour demand in agriculture and food production
- Growth in high skill sectors like technology and engineering
- The complexity of applications submitted
- Verification steps to maintain program integrity
Canada continues to ensure that employers demonstrate genuine need, and that hiring a foreign worker supports the labour market in a positive way.
What These Changes Mean for Employers
If you are an employer planning to hire international workers, this update means that detailed preparation is more important than ever. Well documented applications can lead to smoother outcomes.
Employers should:
- Start recruitment planning early
- Confirm job advertisements meet federal requirements
- Ensure wages and working conditions meet provincial standards
- Prepare clear employment contracts
- Keep communication open with prospective workers
For sectors like agriculture and transportation, where demand increases as seasons shift, applying ahead of time can prevent delays during peak periods.
What This Means for Foreign Workers
For workers outside or inside Canada who plan to obtain a work permit through an LMIA supported job offer, these updated timelines help set realistic expectations.
Workers should:
- Stay in close contact with their employer
- Ensure passports and documents are valid
- Be ready to submit work permit applications as soon as employer approval is received
- Avoid changing contact information without notifying immigration authorities
Canada continues to welcome skilled workers who are ready to contribute to the economy and grow with Canadian communities.
How LMIA Fits Into Canada’s Long-Term Immigration Goals
Canada maintains a balanced immigration approach where temporary work and permanent residence pathways support each other. Many workers who arrive on LMIA-supported work permits later transition to permanent residency through:
- Express Entry
- Provincial programs
- Employer driven nomination pathways
The continued update of LMIA processing times supports a transparent system where employers can plan confidently and workers can build meaningful careers.
LMIA Processing Times Support Stronger Workforce Planning
The updated LMIA processing times signal Canada’s steady approach to labour market growth. With clear processing timelines, employers can plan hiring more efficiently and workers can take confident steps toward career growth in Canada. This update reinforces Canada’s ongoing focus on supporting skilled labour, strong industries, and thriving communities. Stay tuned with Canada Immigration News for all the upcoming LMIA processing times updates!
