Canada has released its latest Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times, giving employers and foreign workers a clearer picture of how long applications are currently taking.
The update, published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), reflects average processing times based on May 2026 completed applications and shows important changes across several streams.
For employers planning to hire foreign workers—and for workers waiting on LMIA-supported job offers—these timelines can directly affect hiring plans, work permit applications, and immigration strategies.
Latest LMIA Processing Times (June 2026 Update)
According to the newest ESDC data, the average processing times are:
- Global Talent Stream: 10 business days
- Agricultural Stream: 22 business days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 11 business days
- High-Wage Stream: 64 business days
- Low-Wage Stream: 61 business days
- Permanent Residence Stream: 114 business days
The difference between streams remains significant.
For some applicants, the gap between 10 days and 114 days can completely change planning.
The Fastest Option: Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) remains the fastest LMIA category.
At just 10 business days, it continues to meet the federal government’s service standard.
This stream is often used for:
- Tech professionals
- Specialized AI roles
- High-demand STEM occupations
For employers hiring highly skilled talent, this remains one of the fastest pathways into Canada.
High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams Still Face Delays
The standard employer-driven LMIA streams remain much slower.
Current averages:
- High-wage: 64 business days
- Low-wage: 61 business days
This means employers may need to plan at least:
- 2 months for LMIA processing
- Plus advertising requirements
- Plus work permit processing time
In reality, the full hiring timeline can often stretch much longer.
Permanent Residence Stream Improved—but Still Slow
One of the most notable changes is the Permanent Residence stream.
While still the longest at 114 business days, this stream has improved significantly compared to earlier 2026 figures, when wait times were reported much higher.
This may offer better planning opportunities for employers supporting PR-based pathways.
Important: LMIA Timelines Do Not Include Advertising
Many employers misunderstand this.
The published processing times begin after a complete LMIA application is submitted.
They do not include:
- Mandatory recruitment periods
- Job advertising requirements
- Document preparation
- Compliance review preparation
Depending on the stream, pre-submission advertising can take 14 days to 8 weeks.
This means total preparation is often much longer than the posted processing time.
What This Means for Foreign Workers
If your employer is applying for an LMIA:
Timing matters.
Delays can affect:
- Work permit expiry dates
- Maintained status planning
- Travel plans
- PR strategy timing
- Job start dates
Workers should understand that LMIA approval is only one step.
After approval, a separate work permit application may still be required.
What Employers Should Do Now
Given current timelines:
✔ Apply as early as possible
✔ Prepare complete documentation
✔ Start recruitment early
✔ Monitor stream-specific wait times
✔ Build buffer time into hiring plans
A delayed LMIA can delay an entire business operation.
