ESDC LMIA Processing Times Updated: Faster Approvals for Most Streams
August 6, 2025
On August 5, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released a significant notice for foreign workers and employers the new ESDC LMIA Processing Times for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications have been announced, and the news is positive for the majority of streams.
Whether you’re a Canadian business in need of foreign expertise or a high-skilled professional seeking to work in Canada, it’s essential to understand current LMIA timelines. With multiple LMIA streams experiencing faster processing times, now is the perfect time to pursue your Canadian work permit strategy.
What Is an LMIA and Why Is It Important?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a piece of paper that Canadian employers are typically required to get before hiring foreign labour. The assessment ensures that there is a real need for a foreign worker to do the job and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is willing to do it. ESDC LMIA Processing Times differ based on the stream you apply for. More rapid processing can be a big boon for employers dealing with shortages of workers and for employees who want to begin their Canadian adventure earlier.
Updated ESDC LMIA Processing Times as of August 5, 2025
Here are the new average LMIA processing times based on data collected across all processing centers in Canada:
- Global Talent Stream – 9 business days
- Agricultural Stream – 14 business days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days
- High-Wage Stream – 37 business days
- Low-Wage Stream – 41 business days
- Permanent Residence Stream – 254 business days
Most of these streams have either maintained or improved in processing time, which is a strong indicator of ESDC’s efforts to make the LMIA system more responsive and efficient.
Key Highlights for Employers and Workers
Global Talent Stream – 9 Business Days
One of the fastest LMIA pathways is the Global Talent Stream. They are designed to help innovative Canadian companies bring in foreign professionals who are highly skilled. This stream offers super-fast processing, giving tech firms and startups a major advantage in hiring global talent. Applications submitted via this stream are processed within 9 business days, according to the latest ESDC LMIA Processing Times, making it an ideal option for employers that need urgent talent acquisition.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 Business Days
Processing time for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) has decreased, making it even easier for Canadian farmers and agricultural producers to access temporary workers during peak seasons.
High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams
Both the High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams have each improved their processing times by four business days, allowing for quicker access to skilled and general labour for employers in all regions of Canada. Based on the new ESDC LMIA Processing Times, these enhancements can service industries such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and caregiving — all of which are essential to the Canadian economy.
Why Does This Update Matters?
In Canada’s competitive job market, timely recruitment decisions are essential. Delayed hiring can result in lost productivity, project delay, and missed business opportunity. With the shorter ESDC LMIA Processing Times in some categories, Canadian employers can now have a better opportunity to fill their job openings more promptly and effectively.
For foreign nationals, these changes can translate into quicker approval of job offers and a more rapid route to legally working in Canada that can also act as a stepping stone to permanent residence.
What is the implied status while waiting for LMIA?
In awaiting the decision on an LMIA, the applicant’s implied status primarily lies in their own position in Canada. If the foreign employee is in Canada already on a valid work permit that is set to expire, he or she can request an extension of the work permit using the new LMIA once received. Nonetheless, within the time frame that the LMIA application is still pending with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the applicant is not conferred implied status merely because of the LMIA application itself.
Implied status is accorded only when the foreign worker applies for a work permit extension prior to expiration of his or her current permit. It should be kept in mind that the ESDC LMIA processing times are stream and application completeness dependent, usually between a few weeks to a few months. Thus, careful planning must be made to comply with Canadian immigration regulations while waiting.
Looking to Hire or Immigrate to Canada?
Navigating the complexities of Canada’s immigration system, particularly the LMIA process, can be challenging. We specialize in assisting employers and foreign workers with successful Canadian immigration and LMIA applications. As an employer who needs to find the right foreign talent or a worker who is willing to begin a new life in Canada, our experts can assist you through every step of the way. From selecting the correct LMIA stream through to ensuring that all of the documentation is completed, we guarantee your application is complete, on time, and compliant with the most current ESDC LMIA Processing Times and regulations.
If you want to know more details about “ESDC LMIA Processing Times Updated: Faster Approvals for Most Streams” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
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