LMIA Processing Time

LMIA Processing Time in 2026 — Current Wait Times by Stream

One of the most common questions employers and foreign workers ask is: How long does an LMIA take? The answer depends on the LMIA stream you apply under, the completeness of your application, and your compliance history with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

This page provides current LMIA processing times by stream as reported by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). All information is current as of May 2026.

Current LMIA Processing Times by Stream (2026)

LMIA processing times vary significantly depending on the stream you apply under. Below are the current estimated processing times as of May 2026.

The times below indicate how long it takes ESDC to process a complete LMIA application, from the date of submission to the decision. They do not include preparation time or job advertisement.

If you are planning to retain a TFW or need a TFW to start on a particular date, you have to add the estimated preparation time, including obtaining the necessary business documents, filing taxes, obtaining provincial registrations where required, and job advertisement, to the LMIA processing time below to get an estimate of the LMIA processing timeline, and then add Work Permit processing time. This will give you an idea of the estimated time from when you start the process to when the TFW can start working for you in Canada.

For a full description of each stream — eligibility, wage thresholds, caps, recruitment requirements, and documentation — see our LMIA Streams Overview.

The factors that affect how long any of these streams take are the same across the board — see below.

Current LMIA Processing Times by Stream (2026)

LMIA processing times vary significantly depending on the stream you apply under. Below are the current estimated processing times as of May 2026. The times below indicate how long it takes ESDC to process a complete LMIA application, from the date of submission to the decision. They do not include preparation time or job advertisement. If you are planning to retain a TFW or need a TFW to start on a particular date, you have to add the estimated preparation time, including obtaining the necessary business documents, filing taxes, obtaining provincial registrations where required, and job advertisement, to the LMIA processing time below to get an estimate of the LMIA processing timeline, and then add Work Permit processing time. This will give you an idea of the estimated time from when you start the process to when the TFW can start working for you in Canada.

Does the LMIA Processing Time Depend on the Province?

Short answer: no — not in any official sense. ESDC publishes LMIA processing times by stream, not by province. There is no government source that publishes a separate "LMIA processing time for Ontario" or "LMIA processing time for BC." A high-wage LMIA filed for a job in Toronto is subject to the same ESDC service standard as a high-wage LMIA filed for a job in Vancouver.

If you have seen "provincial" LMIA processing times quoted online, they are not official figures — ESDC does not break the data down that way.

Where the province genuinely matters is before the LMIA is even filed: in some provinces, the employer must register with the province in order to hire a foreign worker, and that registration is a prerequisite to submitting the LMIA.

Provincial Employer Registration — A Real Pre-LMIA Step

The following provinces currently require employers to register or be licensed to hire temporary foreign workers before an LMIA can be filed:

• British Columbia — Employer registration under the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act is required before applying for an LMIA.
• ‍Manitoba — Employer registration under the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act  is required.‍
• Saskatchewan — Employer registration under the Foreign Worker and Recruitment Services Act is required.‍
• Nova Scotia — Employer registration under the Labour Standards Code  is required.

This pre-application step can add weeks or months to the overall timeline before you can even file your LMIA — but it is not part of the ESDC LMIA processing time. ESDC's clock only starts once a complete LMIA application is submitted.

In Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, no provincial registration is currently required, and the same ESDC service standards by stream apply.

Quebec also requires a separate Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) for the foreign worker after a positive LMIA — this is a worker-side step, not an employer registration, but Quebec employers should plan for the additional time.

What Affects LMIA Processing Time?

Several factors can extend or shorten how long your LMIA takes to process:

1. ‍Completeness of your application. Incomplete applications are returned without processing, adding weeks or months to your timeline. This is the single most common cause of delays.‍
2. LMIA stream. The Global Talent Stream and Agricultural Streams typically process within 2-3 weeks. Other streams can take significantly longer.Recruitment efforts.
3. Employer compliance history. Employers with a history of compliance issues or previous LMIA refusals may experience longer processing times.Volume of applications.
4. Recruitment efforts. ESDC reviews your advertising and recruitment documentation. Insufficient evidence of genuine recruitment efforts can delay processing or result in refusal.Labour market conditions.
5. Labour market conditions. Applications for positions in regions or occupations with higher unemployment may face additional scrutiny.Employer compliance history.
6. Volume of applications. Seasonal peaks (e.g., agricultural season) can affect processing timelines across all streams.

How to Avoid LMIA Processing Delays

Based on common reasons for application delays and refusals, here are steps employers can take to ensure the fastest possible processing:

• Submit a complete and correct application. Review all required documents against the ESDC checklist before submitting and before you start advertising. Missing documents or applying under the wrong LMIA stream are major causes of delays and refusals.
• Use the correct wage. Verify the current median hourly wage for your position and location on the Job Bank, and determine the prevailing wage by comparing wages for employees in the same role, location, and skill set. Offering a wage below the required level for your stream can result in refusal.‍
• Prepare a strong Transition Plan (high-wage stream).‍
• Prepare a Labour Market Benefits Plan (Global Talent Stream).‍
• Comply with cap requirements (low-wage stream).‍
• Consider the Global Talent Stream if your position qualifies (i.e., hiring foreign tech professionals). The 2-week processing standard can save months compared to other streams.

After Your LMIA Is Approved — Next Steps

Once ESDC approves your LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit through IRCC. The work permit application has its own separate processing time, which varies by the worker's country of residence and the type of work permit.

Key steps after LMIA approval:

1. The employer receives a positive LMIA confirmation letter.
2. The foreign worker uses the LMIA number & letter to apply for a work permit through IRCC.
3. Work permit processing times vary — check IRCC's processing time tool for current estimates.

For a complete guide to the LMIA application process from start to finish, see our LMIA Process page.