Canada LMIA Wait Times Rise Across Most Streams

Canada's Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times increased across most Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) streams in October 2026. The Permanent Resident Stream experienced the largest increase, while the Agricultural Stream was the only category to record shorter waits.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released the updated figures on November 12, showing growing delays for employers seeking to hire foreign workers.

LMIA Processing Times: September vs. October 2026

These figures represent average business-day processing times and exclude mandatory recruitment and advertising periods, which can take between 14 days and eight weeks.

High-Wage LMIA Processing Crosses 100 Days

The High-wage Stream reached 102 days, exceeding 100 days for the first time in 2026.

Low-wage processing also reached its highest level this year at 86 days, approximately 76% higher than January's figure.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Resident Stream recorded a 15-day increase, reaching 94 days. Despite this rise, it remains eight days faster than the High-wage Stream.

Agricultural processing improved for the second consecutive month, while the Global Talent Stream maintained its nine-day average, staying below its 10-day service standard.

What Employers and Foreign Workers Should Know

Employers generally need a positive LMIA before hiring through the TFWP. This assessment confirms that no suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect Canada's labour market.

After approval, employers provide workers with the LMIA decision letter and number, alongside their employment offer and contract.

Workers must submit their work permit applications before their LMIA expires, generally within six months of issuance.

Eligible applicants already in Canada may qualify to apply while their employer's LMIA application remains pending.

Low-wage LMIA processing restrictions also apply in metropolitan areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, subject to exemptions. Early childhood educators joined the exemption list on November 6.

Canada Reduces Foreign Worker Admission Targets

Canada reduced its 2026 TFWP admissions target from 82,000 to 60,000.

Between January and August 2026, the program admitted 29,485 workers, representing 49.1% of its annual target.

Admissions declined 31.6% compared with 2025 and 56.5% compared with 2024.

The government's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan further reduces the TFWP target to 50,000 annually.

The International Mobility Program's target also dropped from 285,750 in 2025 to 170,000 in 2026, remaining unchanged for 2027.

Together, both programs admitted 130,100 workers through August, against their combined 2026 target of 230,000.

What Comes Next?

Canada plans to reduce its temporary resident population to below 5% by the end of 2027.

Meanwhile, a temporary initiative could provide permanent residence to up to 200,000 people already in Canada, including up to 100,000 eligible workers.

With longer LMIA processing periods and lower admission targets, employers and applicants should account for additional waiting time when planning recruitment and work permit applications.