LMIA Wait Times Drop Sharply In PR Stream

Employment and Social Development Canada has released its latest update on Labour Market Impact Assessment processing times, showing major improvement in some Temporary Foreign Worker Program streams and longer waits in others.

The department, known as ESDC, posted its April 2026 processing data on May 15, 2026. The update compares current average wait times with the previous figures from February 2026.

Permanent Resident Stream Sees Biggest Drop

The permanent resident stream recorded the largest improvement. Its average processing time dropped from 244 days in February to 140 days in April. That is a decrease of 104 days, or more than three months.

Despite the improvement, this stream still has the longest average wait time among all Temporary Foreign Worker Program categories.

The Global Talent Stream also improved. Its average processing time fell from 12 days to eight days. This means applications under the stream are again being handled within ESDC’s 10-day service standard.

Some Employers Face Longer Waits

Not every stream saw faster results. The low-wage stream had the biggest increase, rising from 48 days to 58 days. This stream applies when employers hire workers below the wage threshold set for their province or territory.

The agricultural stream also slowed down. Its processing time increased from 15 days to 21 days, adding nearly one week for employers hiring workers in on-farm primary agriculture.

The high-wage stream rose slightly, from 60 days to 64 days. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program remained unchanged at 10 days.

Under the low-wage stream, LMIA processing is limited to regions where the unemployment rate is six per cent or lower. The federal government reviews regional eligibility every quarter.

Why LMIAs Matter

Employers usually need a neutral or positive LMIA before a foreign worker can apply for a closed work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The LMIA shows that the employer could not find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the job. It also shows that hiring a foreign worker is not expected to harm Canada’s labour market.

After ESDC approves the LMIA, the employer gives the decision letter and job offer to the foreign worker. The worker can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for an employer-specific work permit.

The length of time the worker can stay in Canada depends on the work permit linked to the LMIA. This period is based on the work duration recommended by ESDC.

Fewer Temporary Worker Admissions Planned

Canada has set a 2026 admissions target of 60,000 temporary foreign workers under the TFWP. That is down from 82,000 in the previous year.

The reduction is part of Ottawa’s plan to keep temporary residents below five per cent of Canada’s population by 2027.

From January to March 2026, Canada admitted 8,240 new workers through the TFWP. That marks a 31.2 per cent decrease from the same period in 2025.

The International Mobility Program, which covers LMIA-exempt work permits, has also been reduced. Its planned admissions have fallen from 285,750 in 2025 to 170,000 in 2026.