After Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released new labor market impact assessment (LMIA) processing times for a number of streams, LMIA Processing Time Canada was last updated on June 10, 2025. The update indicates growing efficiency and a focus on improving Canada's programs for the temporary and permanent labor markets.
Improved LMIA processing time is a positive move for businesses and immigration professionals who want to simplify the hiring process of foreign workers, especially in crucial sectors. This enhancement could make a significant impact on your timelines and plan if you are considering hiring foreign workers or assisting clients to do the same.
Key Points of Canada's New LMIA Processing Time
With data from all national processing centers, ESDC has outlined typical processing times for LMIA applications across streams. The turnaround period for every one of these streams has reduced dramatically, making hiring foreign workers simpler and more effective for companies.
Employers can now more confidently plan their hiring campaign due to these enhancements, which have a direct impact on LMIA Processing Time Canada's improved efficiency. An outline of the revised times is as follows:
Seven business days (one day faster) for global talent stream
14 business days for agricultural stream (one day faster)
Seasonal Agricultural Workers program: 8 working days (never changed)
50 business days (11 days faster) is the high-wage stream.
50 business days (11 days ahead of schedule) is the low-wage stream.
The Canadian government has been making a concerted push to service worker needs and effectively meet labor market needs for numerous industries, as these updates attest.
What Does This Mean for Employers in Canada?
When there is a pressing need for labor among Canadian employers, the quicker LMIA processing times in expedited streams like the Global Talent Stream, Agricultural Stream, High-Wage Stream, and Low-Wage Stream are extremely beneficial.
Technology and innovation can now obtain extremely skilled professionals faster than ever before due to the incredible turnaround time of a mere 7 business days for Global Talent Stream candidates.
Just like this, the Agricultural Stream, which is vital to Canada's agri-food and agriculture industries, only has a processing time of 14 business days, in which seasonal hiring initiatives can be undertaken in peak seasons.
Both the High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams' processing times have been reduced by 11 business days, to an average of 50 business days. The employers working in the construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and caregiving sectors will particularly benefit from this adjustment.
Supporting Canada’s Economic and Workforce Goals
With these enhancements, ESDC is showing a firm commitment to enabling Canada’s long-term economic objectives through quicker access to foreign labour. The LMIA Processing Time Canada update indicates a streamlined system that assists Canadian employers in addressing timely workforce demands.
The LMIA process continues to be a vital step for employers to prove the necessity of a foreign worker and confirm that their employment will not harm the domestic labour market.
The lowered processing times are also part of the larger process of modernizing immigration programs, enhancing service delivery, and assisting industries experiencing ongoing skill shortages.
Why This Matters for Immigration Professionals and Job Seekers
For immigration consultants, lawyers, and job seekers, this update brings several advantages:
- Faster results mean better service for clients and quicker transition for foreign workers.
- Improved employer satisfaction, especially in high-demand sectors that rely on temporary foreign labour.
- Greater predictability in planning and executing hiring strategies.
If you are assisting clients with LMIA applications or exploring pathways for work in Canada, now is the time to leverage the improved LMIA Processing Time Canada to your advantage.
How Can We Help?
We understand how crucial timely approvals are when navigating Canadian immigration pathways. Whether you’re an employer seeking to hire skilled talent or a professional planning your journey to Canada, our team is here to simplify the process and help you make the most of the updated LMIA Processing Time Canada offers today.
We offer:
- Comprehensive LMIA application support
- Employer compliance consultation
- Work permit and visa services
- Ongoing assistance from application to approval
Our immigration experts are always up to date with the latest policy changes and are ready to guide you through every step of your hiring or migration journey.
What is the implied status while waiting for the LMIA?
During the time they are waiting for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to be finalized, the implied status is a function of the status of the applicant while in Canada. If a foreign worker is presently in Canada and has submitted an application to renew or shift their work permit before the existing permit expires, they can be permitted to continue working under implied status until the decision is made.
Implied status, though, does not necessarily apply just because an employer has submitted an LMIA application. It only matters if a new work permit application or an extension of a work permit has been filed concurrently or after that.
Employers and employees must know that the LMIA Processing Time Canada is not the same across all streams, taking anywhere from a few weeks to months, so it is necessary to plan accordingly to prevent status gaps or employment interruption.
If you want to know more details about “ESDC Updates LMIA Processing Time Canada in June 2025: 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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