LMIA processing times rise across most TFWP streams

LMIA processing times rise across most TFWP streams

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has reported longer processing times for most Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) streams under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The data, current to February 2026, show delays across nearly all categories despite a planned reduction in temporary foreign worker admissions this year.

The increase is most pronounced in the high-wage stream, which covers positions paying at or above regional median wages. This pattern suggests processing workloads remain significant even as overall program intake targets are reduced.

• ESDC updated LMIA processing times on March 4, 2026.
• High-wage stream processing rose from 46 to 60 business days.
• Global Talent Stream exceeded its 10-day service standard, rising to 12 days.
• Low-wage and agricultural streams also experienced modest increases.
• Permanent resident stream remained the longest, though slightly faster than before.
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program times were unchanged at 10 days.

Updated data from ESDC

The latest update from ESDC compares February 2026 averages with those from November 2025. The high-wage stream showed the largest jump, increasing by 14 business days. The Global Talent Stream rose from 10 to 12 days, while the agricultural stream climbed slightly from 14 to 15 days. The low-wage stream lengthened from 44 to 48 days.

The permanent resident stream continues to record the longest average processing time, now at 244 days—down from 266 days in November. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program remained stable at 10 days, marking the only category without change.

Understanding the LMIA process

An LMIA is a key requirement for Canadian employers hiring foreign nationals through the TFWP. The document confirms that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the domestic labour market.

Once a positive or neutral LMIA is issued, it allows the prospective employee to apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit is employer-specific and tied to the conditions outlined in the LMIA decision.

Concurrent processing and validity periods

IRCC’s concurrent processing measures allow some work permit applications to be submitted while an LMIA is still being assessed. The duration of authorized employment is based on the work period proposed in the employer’s LMIA application and determined by ESDC guidelines.

Program context and 2026 targets

For 2026, the federal government plans to admit up to 60,000 temporary foreign workers through the TFWP, down from approximately 82,000 in 2025. The change aligns with a broader policy goal to maintain the total number of temporary residents below five percent of Canada’s population by 2207.

ESDC’s data indicate that lower intake levels could eventually reduce LMIA application volumes. However, the February figures suggest delays persist in most streams during this transition period.

The International Mobility Program, which allows certain foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA, has also seen reduced admissions—from nearly 286,000 in 2025 to an expected 170,000 in 2026.

Regional and economic considerations

Processing times can vary according to regional labour conditions and submission volumes. For instance, the federal government limits the processing of low-wage LMIAs to regions where unemployment rates remain at or below six percent—an eligibility list reviewed quarterly by ESDC.

In provinces such as Manitoba, where labour shortages continue in specific industries, employers frequently rely on federal programs like the TFWP alongside pathways such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to address critical workforce needs.

Impact and ongoing monitoring

While the government’s 2026 targets aim to balance economic needs with population management, extended LMIA processing times can affect hiring timelines for Canadian employers. ESDC continues to update its published averages monthly, reflecting variations in demand across job sectors and regions.

Applicants and employers are expected to monitor future updates as Canada’s temporary foreign worker system adjusts to new intake levels and processing resources. Further changes to LMIA service standards or program volumes will be publicly reported as they are announced.

For continuing coverage of Canadian immigration procedures and labour market updates, readers can explore related program data and policy developments across federal and provincial streams.