ESDC Updates LMIA Processing Times for May 2026
Latest LMIA Processing Times
| LMIA Stream | Processing Time |
| 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 |
Compared with the previous month’s update:
- Global Talent Stream increased from 8 to 10 business days.
- Agricultural Stream increased from 21 to 22 business days.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program increased from 10 to 11 business days.
- High-Wage Stream remained unchanged at 64 business days.
- Low-Wage Stream increased from 58 to 61 business days.
- Permanent Residence Stream improved from 140 to 114 business days, representing the largest reduction among all LMIA categories.
Permanent Residence Stream Shows the Biggest Improvement
Global Talent Stream Continues to Offer Fast Processing
The Global Talent Stream remains the fastest LMIA category, with an average processing time of 10 business days. This stream is designed to help eligible Canadian employers recruit highly skilled international talent more quickly and currently meets ESDC’s published service standard.
What Is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that many Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign national through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
A positive or neutral LMIA confirms that:
- No qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position
- Hiring a foreign worker is not expected to have a negative impact on Canada’s labour market.
Once a positive LMIA is issued, the employer can provide the decision letter and job offer to the foreign worker, who may then apply for a work permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Important Information for Employers
ESDC notes that the published LMIA processing times do not include the mandatory recruitment and advertising period that employers must complete before submitting an LMIA application. Depending on the stream, employers are generally required to advertise the position for 14 days to eight weeks before applying. This recruitment period is separate from the published LMIA processing time.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
The latest processing times indicate that employers should continue planning recruitment timelines carefully, particularly for streams where processing times have increased slightly.
Applicants seeking work permits supported by an LMIA should ensure that:
- Their employer submits a complete LMIA application.
- All required recruitment requirements have been met.
- Work permit applications are prepared promptly after a positive LMIA is issued.
Because processing times are updated regularly and may change from month to month, applicants should always review the latest government estimates before planning their employment timelines.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. LMIA processing times are published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) as average estimates and may change without notice. Individual processing times vary depending on application completeness, program requirements, and operational factors. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek qualified immigration advice before making immigration decisions.
