The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) plays a key role in Canadian immigration, ensuring foreign workers are hired only when no qualified Canadians are available. On August 5, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released updated processing times for different LMIA streams. These updates are vital for employers and foreign workers planning to work in Canada and provide insights into how fast or slow applications are currently being processed.

Why LMIA Processing Times Matter in Canadian Immigration

The LMIA is mandatory for most employers looking to hire temporary foreign workers. A positive LMIA confirms there is a genuine need for a foreign employee, and no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the role.

For Canadian immigration applicants, LMIA processing times directly impact how quickly they can begin work or transition into permanent residency. Employers, on the other hand, need these timelines to plan recruitment and meet workforce demands, especially in sectors facing labor shortages such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Current LMIA Processing Times by Stream

According to the latest report from ESDC, the following are the current average processing times:

While most streams have remained steady or improved, the Permanent Residence Stream has experienced a notable delay, increasing by 14 business days. This means applicants under this stream must prepare for longer wait times.

What Affects LMIA Processing Times?

Several factors influence how quickly LMIA applications are processed:

• Application Volume: When more applications are received, processing times may increase.
• Completeness of Applications: Missing documents or incorrect information leads to delays.
• Program Priorities: Streams like the Global Talent Stream are often prioritized because they fill critical skill shortages quickly.
• Quebec Applications: Positions in Quebec often have additional processing steps involving both federal and provincial authorities.

Applicants and employers can avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring all documents are complete, paying the required fees, and providing accurate job details at the time of submission.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

For employers, these timelines determine when they can onboard foreign employees. For instance:

• Tech companies hiring under the Global Talent Stream can expect approvals in just nine business days, allowing them to fill urgent positions faster.
• Farms relying on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program can benefit from a reduced processing time of seven days, critical during planting or harvesting seasons.
• Employers in healthcare or manufacturing hiring under high-wage or low-wage streams can expect slightly quicker processing than in previous months.

For workers, these updates affect their ability to move forward with work permit applications and, in some cases, permanent residency pathways linked to employer sponsorship.

LMIA and Canadian Immigration Pathways

LMIA approvals are often a stepping stone for permanent residency. Many applicants under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs use an LMIA-backed job offer to boost their points. However, with the Permanent Residence Stream currently taking 254 business days, individuals seeking direct employer-driven permanent residency must factor in significant delays.

On the positive side, other streams remain relatively fast, supporting Canada’s growing need for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Planning Your Next Steps

Employers planning to hire temporary foreign workers should consider:

• Submitting applications early to account for potential delays.
• Exploring faster streams like the Global Talent Stream, where applicable.
• Consulting experienced immigration professionals to avoid errors and omissions.
• Workers seeking opportunities should:
• Stay updated on processing times as they change monthly.
• Prepare supporting documents early to speed up work permit applications after receiving a positive LMIA.
• Consider alternative immigration pathways if timelines for certain streams are too long.

The latest update on LMIA processing times highlights both progress and challenges within the Canadian immigration system. While most LMIA streams show stable or improved processing times, the Permanent Residence Stream has slowed. Employers and foreign workers must plan accordingly, stay informed about monthly updates, and seek professional guidance when necessary. LMIA remains a critical step in Canadian immigration, impacting how quickly skilled talent can contribute to Canada’s economy and workforce.

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