Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times
April 13, 2024
On April 5, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times remained the same for the Global Talent Stream.
- Global Talent Stream – 7 business days
- Agricultural stream – 13 business days (+1 day)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days (+1 day)
- Permanent residence Stream – 79 business days (+6 days)
- High-wage Stream – 51 business days (-3 days)
- Low-wage Stream – 55 business days (+1 day)
The revised processing times for LMIA applications reflect ESDC’s concerted effort to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency in labor market assessments.
Employers can anticipate fewer timelines for obtaining LMIA approvals, allowing for easier recruitment of foreign talent to address skill shortages in various sectors. The latest LMIA processing time updates from ESDC indicate a positive shift toward greater efficiency and transparency in Canada’s immigration framework.
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Steps to Avoid LMIA Rejections
They can be rejected on the basis of incomplete documentation, non-compliance by the employer, or failing to meet the requirements of wages. To maximize approval, see that the offer of employment conforms to ESDC standards and all supporting papers are well-prepared.
Overview of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Process
An essential component of Canada’s immigration framework is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, which determines the potential impacts of hiring foreign workers on the country’s labor market. Employers who want to hire foreign workers usually go through the LMIA process to prove that hiring outside of Canada is necessary.
When will the LMIA application processing time start?
LMIA application processing begins once you submit a complete LMIA application.
An application is considered complete when:
- All required documents are provided for the stream to which you are applying
- The employer has signed all necessary documents
- You have paid the processing fee (if applicable)
- Incomplete applications will not be processed, and you will not be charged a processing fee
Your application processing time ends when you receive a decision letter from Service Canada. You will receive a positive or negative decision on your LMIA.
LMIA processing time 2025
In 2025, the turnaround times of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in Canada differ greatly based on streams. The Global Talent Stream has the shortest turnaround time, with an average of 7 business days. On the other hand, the High-wage and Low-wage streams take longer, with turnaround times of 68 and 76 business days, respectively.
The Agricultural Stream has an average of 22 business days, while the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program has an average of 14 business days. These differences are determined by considerations like volume of application, policy, and resource allocation within Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Employers should plan ahead and apply well in advance to suit these timelines.
LMIA processing time in Ontario
The processing durations for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in Ontario differ based on the particular stream under which an employer makes application. As of January 2025, the average processing times are: Global Talent Stream – 7 business days, Agricultural Stream – 22 business days, Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 14 business days, High-wage Stream – 68 business days, Low-wage Stream – 76 business days, and Permanent Resident Stream – 156 business days. These numbers are averages and may vary monthly depending on the number of applications received by the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Ontario employers must take these deadlines into consideration when recruiting foreign workers.
If you want to know more details about “Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Tel: (416) 604-2669
Email: info@immigrationmatters.info
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