On April 9, 2026, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) published updated processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Based on statistics aggregated from all Service Canada processing centres, the latest figures show meaningful improvements across most streams — a welcome development for employers, foreign workers, and immigration practitioners managing time-sensitive files.

What Are the Updated LMIA Processing Times?

The April 9 update reflects average processing times for LMIAs processed in the previous month. According to the figures published by ESDC, processing times have decreased for most streams, with the exception of the Agricultural and Low-wage streams, which saw a very slight increase.

The current average processing times by stream are as follows:

• Global Talent Stream: 7 business days (decreased by 5 days)
• Agricultural Stream: 16 business days (increased by 1 day)
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 10 business days (unchanged)
• Permanent Residence Stream: 192 business days (decreased by 52 days)
• High-wage Stream: 59 business days (decreased by 1 day)
• Low-wage Stream: 50 business days (increased by 2 days)

The most notable improvement is in the Permanent Residence Stream, which has dropped by 52 business days since the previous update — a significant reduction for employers and workers pursuing this pathway. The Global Talent Stream’s return to 7 business days also brings it back well within ESDC’s 10-business-day service standard, after exceeding that benchmark in earlier 2026 data.

Why Do Processing Times Vary by Stream?

Each LMIA stream serves a different labour purpose, and the volume of applications received directly impacts timelines. High-demand streams require more detailed review, while agricultural and seasonal programs often receive priority due to food supply and time-sensitive labour needs. ImmigCanada Changes in application volume, new compliance scrutiny requirements, and operational factors at processing centres all contribute to month-to-month fluctuations in the published figures.

Implications for Practitioners and Employers

The April 9 data brings cautious optimism after several months of rising wait times across most streams. The sharp reduction in the Permanent Residence Stream is particularly significant for practitioners advising clients whose employers have submitted LMIA applications in support of Express Entry or other PR pathways. Practitioners should note that these figures represent averages and can vary significantly from month to month based on application volume. Canada.ca

For employers operating in the agricultural sector or hiring for low-wage positions, the modest upticks in those two streams are worth monitoring, particularly given the ongoing quarterly review of Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) unemployment thresholds that determine low-wage LMIA eligibility.

For the most current processing time data, practitioners can consult the official ESDC page directly: Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times — Canada.ca

Join Us: Navigating LMIAs From Application to Approval

If you advise employers or foreign nationals on LMIA-dependent work permits, LPEN’s upcoming course Navigating LMIAs: From Application to Approval 2026 on July 23, 2026 is a comprehensive, 6-hour session covering every stage of the LMIA process — from preparing a strong application to managing compliance obligations post-approval. Instructors Andrew Carvajal and Viviane Albuquerque bring extensive hands-on expertise to this essential topic. Learn more and register here.

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