Canada has updated its latest Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times, with significant improvements recorded for several Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) streams. According to the latest figures released by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Permanent Resident Stream experienced the biggest reduction in processing time, while some other streams saw slight increases.
The updated processing timelines, reflecting applications processed in April 2026, were officially released by ESDC on May 15, 2026.
Major Changes in LMIA Processing Times
LMIA processing times vary depending on the application stream, the quality and completeness of submitted documents, and the number of applications currently under review.
The latest comparison between February and April 2026 processing times is shown below:
| TFWP Stream | February 2026 | April 2026 | Change |
| Global Talent Stream | 12 days | 8 days | -4 days |
| Agricultural Stream | 15 days | 21 days | +6 days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 10 days | 10 days | No Change |
| High-Wage Stream | 60 days | 64 days | +4 days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 48 days | 58 days | +10 days |
| Permanent Resident Stream | 244 days | 140 days | -104 days |
The Permanent Resident Stream recorded the most significant improvement, reducing its processing time by over three months. However, despite this substantial reduction, it still remains the longest-processing LMIA category.
Meanwhile, the Low-Wage Stream experienced the largest increase in wait times, with processing now taking approximately 58 days.
Global Talent Stream Returns to Faster Processing
The Global Talent Stream, which is designed to help Canadian employers hire highly skilled international talent quickly, has returned to processing applications within the government’s 10-day service standard. The average processing time has improved from 12 days to just 8 days.
This improvement is expected to benefit employers seeking specialized professionals in high-demand sectors.
Agricultural Streams Show Mixed Results
Processing times for the Agricultural Stream increased from 15 days to 21 days, extending waiting periods for employers hiring workers in primary farming occupations.
In contrast, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) remains unchanged, maintaining an average processing time of 10 days.
The High-Wage Stream also experienced a minor increase, with wait times rising from 60 to 64 days.
Under Canada’s current TFWP rules, applications under the Low-Wage Stream are only accepted in regions where the unemployment rate is 6% or lower. These eligibility rules are reviewed by the federal government every quarter.
Why is an LMIA Important?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a key requirement for many employer-specific work permits under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Before hiring a foreign worker, Canadian employers must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada, confirming that:
- No qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position; and
- Hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s labour market.
Once approved, employers provide the LMIA confirmation and a valid job offer to the foreign worker, who can then apply for a closed work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The duration of the work permit depends on the work period recommended by ESDC and may differ from the LMIA validity itself.
In some situations, eligible applicants may submit their work permit application before the LMIA decision is finalized through IRCC’s concurrent processing measures.
Canada Continues to Reduce Temporary Worker Admissions
Canada has lowered its 2026 Temporary Foreign Worker Program admissions target to 60,000 workers, down from 82,000 in 2025.
The reduction aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy of keeping temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.
Government data also shows that between January and March 2026, Canada admitted 8,240 temporary foreign workers, representing a 31.2% decline compared to the same period in 2025.
With fewer temporary workers expected to enter Canada, the volume of LMIA applications may gradually decline, potentially helping reduce future processing times.
Similarly, admissions under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows LMIA-exempt work permits, have also been significantly reduced, dropping from 285,750 planned admissions in 2025 to 170,000 in 2026.
Oasis Visas Can Help You Work in Canada
Planning to work in Canada through an employer-sponsored work permit? Understanding LMIA requirements and selecting the right immigration pathway is crucial for a successful application.
Oasis Visas provides professional guidance for Canada work permits, LMIA-based applications, employer-sponsored immigration programs, and overall Canada immigration solutions. Our experienced consultants can help you navigate every step of the application process and improve your chances of success.
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