What are the latest Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing time changes?

This update is part of the IRCC processing times hub, with the Permanent residence guide. Labour Market Impact Assessment processing times decreased across several Temporary Foreign Worker Program streams in September. Employment and Social Development Canada released these figures for September 2026 on October 7. Decreases ranged from one to 77 days. The most significant decline was in the permanent resident stream, which reached its lowest processing time of 2026. Processing times for the Global Talent Stream now sit below the 10 day service standard. The agricultural stream fell to 22 days. Among streams that saw increases, LMIA processing times rose by no more than eight days. The low wage stream was the only TFWP stream to remain steady in September.

What do these processing times mean for workers?

These processing time changes directly affect individuals applying for employer specific work permits. The permanent resident stream, which saw the most substantial decline, now has a processing time of 79 days. This is a 2026 low for this stream. In contrast, high wage LMIA processing times reached a 2026 high of 98 days in September. The low wage stream remained at 82 days. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program saw an increase in wait times for the first time since May, now at seven days. The federal government has set a target of 60,000 admissions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for 2026, a reduction from 82,000 in 2025. This aligns with a broader objective to reduce temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada's population by the end of 2027.

Why are LMIA processing times changing?

LMIA processing times are changing due to a combination of factors, including government policy and application volumes. Lower admissions targets under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program may lead to fewer LMIA applications. This could ease processing pressures over time. From January to July 2026, Canada welcomed 26,735 workers through the TFWP, a decline of 31.4% compared to 2025. The International Mobility Program also saw its 2026 admissions target lowered to 170,000 from 285,750 in 2025. This program recorded 86,620 worker arrivals between January and July 2026, a decrease of 11.7% from 2025.

What should applicants know about LMIA requirements?

Applicants for employer specific work permits generally require a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. This assessment confirms that hiring a foreign worker is unlikely to negatively affect the Canadian labour market. Employers must complete a job advertisement period, which ranges from 14 days to eight weeks, before submitting an LMIA application. After a positive or neutral LMIA is issued, the employer provides the foreign worker with the LMIA decision letter and a job offer letter for their work permit application. LMIAs are valid for no longer than six months. Certain foreign nationals may be eligible to apply for their work permits concurrently while the employer's LMIA is still being assessed. The Canada Job Bank listed more than 5,800 vacancies from employers with approved or pending LMIA applications.