Waiting on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can feel like watching paint dry—except your job offer, business, or future depends on it. LMIA processing times aren’t just numbers—they affect start dates, hiring goals, and visa timelines. Whether you’re an employer planning to hire international workers or a skilled worker hoping to land a job in Canada, knowing how long your LMIA might take is essential.

Let’s break down what happened in August 2025, which LMIA streams are fastest, and what you can do to plan ahead.

LMIA Processing Times by Stream – August 2025

The table below shows the average business days it took for Service Canada to process applications for each stream in August:

As you can see, Global Talent and Seasonal Agricultural streams remain the fastest, while the Permanent Resident stream continues to experience serious delays.

When Does Your LMIA Clock Start?

Your LMIA processing time begins only once your application is complete. That means:

• You’ve submitted all required documents
• The employer has signed all the necessary forms
• The processing fee has been paid

For jobs in Quebec, it’s slightly more complex. Applications must be sent simultaneously to Service Canada and Quebec’s MIFI in the required provincial format.

Incomplete applications are not processed, and no fees are charged in that case.

When Does Processing End?

The end point is when you receive a decision letter from Service Canada. If positive, you’ll need to share the letter with the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) so they can move forward with their work permit application.

Why LMIA Processing Times Matter More Than Ever

As Canada’s workforce grows more dependent on temporary foreign workers, especially in agriculture, tech, and trades, LMIA processing times have a direct impact on staffing, business productivity, and immigration timelines.

Delays in low-wage and high-wage streams mean employers should apply early and prepare extra documents ahead of time. For workers, faster streams like Global Talent may be worth targeting if you qualify.

LMIA Processing Times Can Make or Break Your Timeline

Staying updated on LMIA processing times isn’t just good practice—it’s your advantage in a competitive system. With streams ranging from 8 to 259 business days, being strategic about when and how you apply could shape your future in Canada.

Take Expert Advice for LMIA Application

Getting through the LMIA process isn’t always straightforward, especially with changing timelines, document requirements, and government protocols. That’s where ImmigCanada steps in. Our team, led by certified immigration consultants, offers tailored assistance for both employers and foreign workers. From selecting the right LMIA stream to preparing complete and compliant applications, we ensure nothing is missed.  You can rely on us to keep your process fast, accurate, and aligned with current policies.

For expert help preparing a full LMIA, connect with ImmigCanada—we’ll guide you every step of the way.

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