LMIA Processing Time: 2-6 Months

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times vary significantly depending on the stream and position. Standard high-wage positions (above provincial median wage) typically take 3-4 months, while low-wage positions take 4-6 months due to additional scrutiny and requirements. The Global Talent Stream (GTS) offers expedited processing of approximately 10-15 business days for qualifying high-skilled positions in tech and other in-demand sectors, though employers must meet specific criteria and commit to creating benefits for Canada.

LMIA is an assessment by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market and that no qualified Canadians are available for the position. Employers must demonstrate recruitment efforts (typically 4 weeks of advertising), provide justification for hiring a foreign worker, and meet specific requirements based on the wage level and stream. Once a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign worker can apply for their work permit.

Processing times can be significantly longer if the application is incomplete, if ESDC requires additional information about recruitment efforts or business legitimacy, or if there are concerns about the position's genuineness. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and specific agricultural streams have separate timelines, typically processing within 2-3 months during peak seasons. High-volume periods (spring and summer) can lead to longer processing times across all LMIA streams.