Employers in Canada who plan to hire foreign workers must go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This step, managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), ensures there are no Canadians or permanent residents available to fill a position before hiring a foreign national.

In July 2025, ESDC released the latest average LMIA processing times. These numbers show how long each LMIA stream currently takes to process. For businesses and applicants, understanding these timelines is crucial.

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Current LMIA Processing Times – July 2025

According to the latest ESDC update, the average processing times for July 2025 are:
  • Global Talent Stream: 9 business days
  • Agricultural Stream: 14 business days
  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 7 business days
  • High-Wage Stream: 37 business days
  • Low-Wage Stream: 41 business days
  • Permanent Resident Stream: 254 business days

Why LMIA Processing Times Matter

LMIA processing times are more than just numbers. They can directly affect business operations, recruitment timelines, and the ability to attract skilled talent from abroad.

If your LMIA approval takes too long, your potential hire might choose another country with a faster process. In industries with urgent labour shortages, even a delay of a few weeks can cause missed opportunities and operational challenges.

Impact on Employers

For Canadian employers, every day counts when filling a critical role. Here’s how LMIA delays can impact businesses:
  1. Missed project deadlines – Without the needed worker, projects may be postponed.
  2. Increased costs – Temporary staffing or overtime for existing employees can be expensive.
  3. Lost competitive edge – Skilled workers may accept offers from other companies with quicker hiring processes.

For example, tech companies using the Global Talent Stream can benefit from the short 9-day average processing time. This speed allows them to bring in top talent quickly and stay competitive.

Impact on Foreign Workers

Processing delays affect foreign workers too. A longer wait time can lead to:
  • Uncertainty about moving to Canada
  • Delays in starting new jobs
  • Visa complications if other related applications expire during the wait
For someone offered a job through the High-Wage Stream, waiting 37 business days may be manageable. However, those applying through the Permanent Resident Stream may face a much longer wait of 254 business days — over eight months.

Stream-by-Stream Analysis

  1. Global Talent Stream – 9 Business Days

This is the fastest LMIA stream. It’s designed for high-demand tech and specialized positions. Employers in software, AI, and engineering benefit most from this quick turnaround.

  1. Agricultural Stream – 14 Business Days

Canada’s agricultural sector depends heavily on foreign workers during peak seasons. A two-week processing time helps ensure farms get the help they need before crops are affected.

  1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 Business Days

This program is even faster, with just a one-week average. It allows employers to meet urgent seasonal labour needs in time for planting or harvesting.

  1. High-Wage Stream – 37 Business Days

These jobs pay at or above the median wage in a province or territory. While over a month may seem long, it is still shorter compared to some immigration processes.

  1. Low-Wage Stream – 41 Business Days

This stream is slightly slower than the high-wage option. It applies to positions that pay below the provincial or territorial median wage. The wait time can be challenging for industries like hospitality and retail, which often need workers urgently.

  1. Permanent Resident Stream – 254 Business Days

This is by far the slowest stream. It’s for employers hiring workers who are also applying for permanent residency. Because it involves more documentation and verification, the process can take over eight months.

Factors That Influence Processing Times

Several factors can speed up or slow down LMIA approvals:
  • Accuracy of the application – Missing documents or errors can cause delays.
  • Type of stream – Some programs have priority processing.
  • Volume of applications – Seasonal spikes can increase wait times.
  • Policy changes – Updates in immigration rules may affect timelines.

Tips for Faster LMIA Approval

  1. Submit complete applications – Double-check that all required forms and documents are included.
  2. Choose the right stream – If eligible, apply through a faster processing stream like the Global Talent Stream.
  3. Plan ahead – Account for the average wait time when setting job start dates.
  4. Work with an immigration professional – Experienced consultants can help avoid mistakes that cause delays.

The Bigger Picture

Processing times are not just about paperwork. They reflect Canada’s ability to respond to labour market needs.

When LMIA approvals are quick, employers can fill vacancies faster. This means businesses can grow, projects can start on time, and Canada can maintain its competitive position in the global economy.

On the other hand, long delays — especially in the Permanent Resident Stream — can discourage both employers and skilled workers from choosing Canada.

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Final Thoughts:

As of July 2025, LMIA processing times range from just 7 business days to as long as 254 business days. This gap shows how important it is for employers to understand each stream’s timeline before starting the hiring process.

By planning ahead, submitting complete applications, and choosing the right LMIA category, employers can reduce delays and secure the talent they need. For foreign workers, knowing the expected wait time helps in preparing for the move and starting a new life in Canada.

In today’s competitive job market, time really is money — and in the world of LMIA approvals, every day matters.