Recent data shows a shift in processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) streams. While high-wage and low-wage streams experienced delays, the permanent resident stream saw a notable reduction in wait times.
LMIA Processing Time Comparison
Factors such as application completeness and stream selection influence LMIA processing durations. The latest data from the federal department, ESDC, compares processing times between May and June 2026.
| TFWP Stream/Program | May 2026 | June 2026 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global talent stream | 10 days | 9 days | -1 days |
| Agricultural stream | 22 days | 22 days | — |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 11 days | 9 days | -2 days |
| High-wage stream | 64 days | 79 days | +15 days |
| Low-wage stream | 61 days | 71 days | +10 days |
| Permanent resident stream | 114 days | 99 days | -15 days |
The most significant increase was observed in the TFWP’s high-wage stream, with a delay of over two weeks. Conversely, the low-wage stream, excluding areas with high unemployment rates, experienced an extended wait time of over 10 weeks. Other streams showed a decrease in LMIA processing times, except for the agricultural stream.