Hiring foreign workers in Canada involves a critical step applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job. On May 14, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated LMIA processing times across all major...
Category: LMIA News
LMIA Processing Times in 2025: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know
If you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent or a skilled worker aiming to start a job in Canada, staying up to date with LMIA processing times is crucial. With recent changes announced by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), both employers and workers need to adjust their expectations—and their timelines. Let’s break down...
Ottawa’s Low-Wage LMIA Freeze – What It Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
Starting April 4, 2025, low-wage LMIA processing has been temporarily paused in 24 major Canadian cities due to rising unemployment rates. This decision, set to last until July 10, 2025, affects some of the most populated regions in Canada—including Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. For employers and temporary foreign workers relying on the TFWP, this announcement...
Ottawa Updates LMIA Processing Times – What Employers and Workers Need to Know
Canada has announced updated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times, affecting various employment streams. On February 6, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released new average processing times, showing increases across most streams except for the Global Talent Stream, which experienced a faster turnaround. Employers and foreign workers should take note of these...
Canada Updates LMIA Processing Times – What Employers and Workers Should Know
On December 11, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times across various streams. This adjustment reflects the average time it takes to process applications as of November 2024, helping employers and foreign workers better plan for their employment needs in Canada. The updated processing times show...
Canada’s Vision for Fairer Immigration: LMIA Points Under Review
Canada continues to refine its immigration system to maintain its position as a global leader in welcoming newcomers. The latest potential update under consideration by Immigration Minister Marc Miller involves removing bonus points for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Express Entry system. This move reflects Canada’s dedication to fairness, efficiency, and integrity in...
Three Key Changes to Canada’s LMIA Rules Effective September 2024
On September 26, 2024, Canada introduced significant changes to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) rules, marking a new phase for the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. These adjustments aim to address concerns related to unemployment, labor shortages, and misuse of the program by employers. Understanding these changes is crucial for both Canadian businesses and...
LMIA Processing Times Updated – Tips and Insights for Employers
Are you an employer seeking to hire a foreign worker? Understanding the processing times for Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) is crucial for your hiring plans. In this blog, we’ll provide you with the latest information on LMIA processing times and what you need to know. Updated LMIA Processing Times 2024 The processing time for...
Updated LMIA Processing Times July 2024
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or skilled worker, securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is often the first step towards making that dream a reality. But with ever-changing processing times, navigating the LMIA process can feel like waiting in a line that keeps getting longer. On July 4, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada...