Canadian Government Updates LMIA Processing Times: What You Need to Know

As of December 11, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated the processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. The updated processing times provide a snapshot of the current average LMIA processing times across all processing centres.

According to the latest statistics, processing times have increased for all streams, including the Global Talent Stream, Agricultural Stream, Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, Permanent Residence Stream, High-wage Stream, and Low-wage Stream.

Here's a breakdown of the updated processing times for each stream:

* Global Talent Stream: 9 business days (+1 day)

* Agricultural stream: 16 business days (+3 days)

* Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 8 business days (+1 day)

* Permanent Residence Stream: 109 business days (+4 days)

* High-wage Stream: 57 business days (+1 day)

* Low-wage Stream: 57 business days (+5 days)

These updates reflect the current processing times for LMIA applications, which are subject to change. Employers and foreign workers seeking to hire or work in Canada should be aware of these updated processing times when planning their immigration applications.

The Labour Market Impact Assessment is a crucial step in the immigration process, as it assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive impact on the Canadian labour market. By understanding the updated processing times, employers can better plan their hiring strategies and ensure their applications are processed efficiently.

For those looking to work or live in Canada, it's essential to stay informed about the latest updates and changes to immigration processes. By doing so, you can navigate the complex immigration landscape with confidence and achieve your goals in Canada.