Recent data shows a rise in processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) across various streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in 2026, despite a decrease in foreign worker admissions. The high-wage stream, particularly for jobs meeting or exceeding regional wage thresholds, experienced a significant increase.
Changes in LMIA Processing Times
Comparing February 2026 to November 2025, processing times for LMIAs varied across different streams. Factors influencing these times include the volume of LMIA applications received.
| TFWP stream/program | November 2025 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | 10 | 12 |
| Agricultural Stream | 14 | 15 |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program stream | 10 | 10 |
| High-wage stream | 46 | 60 |
| *Low-wage stream | 44 | 48 |
| Permanent resident stream | 266 | 244 |
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program maintained a consistent processing time of 10 days. The permanent resident stream, despite a 22-day reduction in processing time, still has the longest wait. Notably, the high-wage stream saw a two-week increase in processing time.
The Global Talent Stream, focusing on job offer holders in high-demand occupations, now exceeds the 10-day service standard set by ESDC.