If you are an employer hiring a foreign worker or a skilled professional waiting on your work permit, the Labour Market Impact Assessment, known as the LMIA, is a critical milestone in the process. And right on schedule, on May 15, 2026, Employment and Social Development Canada released updated processing times across all LMIA streams.
Note: Some streams are taking longer, while the Permanent Residence Stream has seen a major improvement. ImmigCanada breaks it all down so you can plan with clarity.
What is an LMIA?
An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers generally need before they can hire a temporary foreign worker. It is issued by Service Canada and confirms that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker in that specific role and that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill it.
Once an employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The LMIA process is one of the most important steps in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Updated LMIA Processing Times for May 2026
Here is the current snapshot of average processing times across all streams:
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time (Business Days) | Change from Previous Month |
| Global Talent Stream | 8 business days | +1 day |
| Agricultural Stream | 21 business days | +5 days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 10 business days | No change |
| High-Wage Stream | 64 business days | +5 days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 58 business days | +8 days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 140 business days | -52 days (significant improvement) |
Source: Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times
Good News on the Permanent Residence Stream
The standout improvement this month is on the Permanent Residence Stream, where processing times have dropped by an impressive 52 business days. This means employers and workers who are using an LMIA to support a permanent residence application now face a significantly shorter wait. If this stream is relevant to your situation, this is very encouraging news.
Longer Waits on Low-Wage and High-Wage Streams
On the other hand, both the High-Wage Stream and the Low-Wage Stream are taking longer this month. The High-Wage Stream now sits at 64 business days, up by 5 days, while the Low-Wage Stream has climbed to 58 business days, an increase of 8 days from last month.
These increases are not uncommon. Processing times for LMIA applications can shift significantly from month to month based on the volume of applications coming in. The important thing is to plan ahead and factor these timelines into your hiring or immigration strategy.
Agricultural Streams See Modest Increases
The Agricultural Stream now takes 21 business days on average, up by 5 days from last month. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, however, holds steady at 10 business days with no change from the previous period. This stability is welcome news for farmers and agricultural employers who rely on seasonal labour programs.
Global Talent Stream Remains Fast
At just 8 business days, the Global Talent Stream continues to be one of the fastest pathways for employers hiring highly skilled foreign professionals. The slight one-day increase is negligible. If you are in the tech, engineering, or research sector, this stream remains your best bet for a quick turnaround.
Tips for Employers Submitting Canada LMIA Applications
Service Canada advises employers to apply as early as possible, ideally up to six months before the expected job start date. Keep in mind that the LMIA processing clock only starts once you submit a complete application. An incomplete application will not be processed, and the application fee will not be charged.
You also need to factor in the mandatory advertising period before you submit. Depending on the stream, this can range from 14 days to eight weeks in the three months before submission. That window is not included in the processing times listed above.
Once you have your positive LMIA, provide a copy of the decision letter to the foreign worker as soon as possible. The worker should then apply for their work permit through IRCC promptly, ideally within two weeks of their current permit expiring, if applicable.
Special Note for Quebec-Based Positions
If the job is located in Quebec and involves an employment period of more than 30 consecutive days, the LMIA application must be submitted simultaneously to Service Canada and Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration. The application must also follow the format required by the provincial government. ImmigCanada can guide you through the additional steps for Quebec-based applications.
How ImmigCanada Can Help
Whether you are an employer navigating the LMIA process for the first time or a worker trying to understand what these timelines mean for your work permit application, ImmigCanada has the expertise to help. We stay updated on every ESDC announcement so you never have to chase the information yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
An LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document that most Canadian employers need before they can hire a foreign worker. It confirms that there is a genuine need for the role and that no suitable Canadian worker was available.
ESDC updates LMIA processing times on a monthly basis. The figures reflect the average number of business days taken to assess applications at all processing centres during the previous month.
Processing begins once Service Canada receives a complete LMIA application, which includes all required documents, signed forms, and the applicable fee if required.
Processing times can vary significantly based on the volume of applications received each month. An 8-day increase in the Low-Wage Stream suggests higher application volumes during the previous period.
No. Workers must wait until their employer receives a positive LMIA decision before applying for a work permit through IRCC. Once the decision letter is issued, the worker should apply promptly.
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