Employers across Canada took notice this month after Ottawa updated processing times for LMIA streams, revealing that every major category now requires more time than before. These changes affect companies of all sizes, whether you rely on seasonal workers, tech talent, farm laborers, or permanent residence applicants. With the latest averages covering October 2025, it is clear that many employers will need to adjust their recruitment planning to stay ahead.

A Closer Look at What Changed

ESDC released new national averages based on data from all processing centres. Every LMIA stream saw an increase, some mild and others more significant.

Here are the updated timelines:

• Global Talent Stream: 10 business days (+2)
• Agricultural Stream: 16 business days (+3)
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 11 business days (+4)
• High-wage Stream: 41 business days (+3)
• Low-wage Stream: 44 business days (+3)
• Permanent Residence Stream: 267 business days (+7)

Even small increases can influence operations, especially in sectors driven by deadlines. A delay of 3 or 4 days might determine whether workers arrive before planting season, construction milestones, or product launches.

Why Ottawa’s Updated Processing Times for LMIA Streams Matter for Employers

Longer LMIA timelines directly affect hiring strategies. Many employers already work through tight schedules, some rely on annual agricultural cycles, while others depend on foreign talent to fill specialized roles with limited hiring windows.

Here are a few situations that highlight how even minor delays can create ripple effects:

1. Seasonal Workforces Under Pressure

Farmers and greenhouse operators often time their hiring around planting, harvesting, and crop maintenance. A delay of even 1 week could push worker arrivals too late to prepare fields or meet supplier timelines.

2. Construction and Skilled Trades

High-wage and low-wage roles in construction are extremely time-sensitive. A project waiting for essential skilled labour may see overall schedules pushed back if LMIA approvals slow down.

3. Permanent Residence LMIAs

At 267 business days, the permanent residence stream continues to be the longest. Companies using this pathway for long-term staffing need to begin the process far earlier than before.

How Processing Times Are Calculated

Service Canada begins counting the moment a complete LMIA application is submitted through LMIA Online.

A complete application means:

• All required forms for that stream are included
• All documents are uploaded
• The employer has signed everything
• The correct processing fee has been paid

If the package is missing anything, Service Canada does not begin processing, and the employer is not charged.

Special Requirements for Quebec

Hiring in Quebec involves an added step. For roles lasting more than 30 consecutive days, employers must send applications to both Service Canada and MIFI at the same time. Both authorities must receive complete and correctly formatted documents. If not, the processing clock does not start.

When the Processing Clock Stops

The timeline ends when Service Canada issues a decision letter.

There are only two outcomes:

• A positive LMIA, which allows the worker to apply for a work permit
• A negative LMIA which ends the process

For employers with urgent roles, planning around this endpoint is crucial. Any delay, whether from documentation issues, volume increases, or new program rules, can affect when the worker can start.

What Employers Should Do Next

Given the across-the-board increases, employers may want to adjust their hiring strategy sooner rather than later. Some practical steps include:

• Start Applications Earlier: If your industry depends on a fixed schedule agriculture, manufacturing, or construction, filing weeks earlier can protect your operations from unexpected slowdowns.
• Double-Check All Documents: Many delays happen due to incomplete packages. Make sure your forms, proof of recruitment, job descriptions, and payment details are all included.
• Use Updated Forms: ESDC updates LMIA forms regularly. Using an old version can slow down the file or force a resubmission.
• Build Longer Lead Times into Hiring: Telling a prospective worker to expect a start date too early may cause additional challenges. Adding a buffer allows for a smoother transition once the LMIA is approved.

What to Expect Now That Ottawa Updated Processing Times for LMIA Streams

With every LMIA category taking longer, employers need to adjust timelines and submit applications earlier. As Ottawa updated processing times for LMIA streams, the smartest move now is to prepare complete, accurate files and planning further ahead to reduce the impact of these longer timelines.