LMIA Processing Times Increase for High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams in June 2026: What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know
Canada continues to rely on skilled international talent to address labour shortages across multiple industries. However, employers and foreign workers planning to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) should be aware of the latest changes to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times.
According to the newest update released by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in July 2026, processing times for High-Wage and Low-Wage LMIA applications have increased significantly. At the same time, several other LMIA streams have experienced faster processing, creating both challenges and opportunities for Canadian employers and overseas workers.
If you are planning to work in Canada or hire international talent, understanding these updates is essential for proper planning.
At Globalwings Visa Consultants, we help individuals and employers navigate Canada’s work permit and LMIA process with professional guidance from start to finish.
What Is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Before hiring a foreign worker under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, most Canadian employers must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA.
The purpose of an LMIA is to confirm that:
- No qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position.
- Hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s labour market.
- The employer has followed all recruitment and advertising requirements.
Once approved, the employer provides the LMIA approval letter along with a valid job offer to the foreign worker, who can then apply for an employer-specific Canadian work permit.
Latest LMIA Processing Times – June 2026
The latest ESDC report highlights several important changes in processing timelines.
| LMIA Stream | May 2026 | June 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | 10 days | 9 days | Faster |
| Agricultural Stream | 22 days | 22 days | No Change |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 11 days | 9 days | Faster |
| High-Wage Stream | 64 days | 79 days | Increased by 15 days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 61 days | 71 days | Increased by 10 days |
| Permanent Resident Stream | 114 days | 99 days | Improved by 15 days |
The most significant increase occurred in the High-Wage Stream, where processing jumped from 64 days to 79 days.
Similarly, the Low-Wage Stream now requires approximately 71 days, making it another area where employers should expect longer waiting periods.
Meanwhile, employers applying under the Permanent Resident Stream benefited from a notable reduction in processing time.
Why Have LMIA Processing Times Changed?
Several factors influence LMIA processing times every month.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Higher application volumes
- Seasonal hiring demand
- Incomplete employer documentation
- Additional verification by ESDC
- Labour market conditions
- Government policy adjustments
Although exact reasons differ between streams, recent increases suggest that High-Wage and Low-Wage LMIA applications are experiencing greater demand and more detailed assessments.
High-Wage Stream Faces the Biggest Delay
The High-Wage Stream experienced the largest increase in processing time.
Applications that previously required approximately 64 days now require nearly 79 days, representing an increase of more than two weeks.
High-wage positions usually include occupations such as:
- Engineers
- IT Professionals
- Healthcare Specialists
- Financial Experts
- Skilled Technicians
- Construction Managers
Because many Canadian employers depend on international professionals to fill specialized positions, longer processing times could delay recruitment and project timelines.
Employers planning future hiring should begin the LMIA process as early as possible.
Low-Wage Stream Also Slows Down
The Low-Wage Stream also experienced longer processing times, increasing from 61 days to 71 days.
These positions commonly include workers in:
- Hospitality
- Food Services
- Cleaning Services
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- General Labour
It’s important to remember that Canada has introduced additional restrictions for low-wage LMIA applications in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.
Employers operating in affected Census Metropolitan Areas may not be eligible to submit certain low-wage LMIA applications.
Positive News for Permanent Resident Stream
One of the biggest improvements came under the Permanent Resident Stream.
Processing times dropped from 114 days to 99 days.
Although nearly 100 days may still seem lengthy, this represents substantial progress compared to late 2025, when processing exceeded 38 weeks.
The improvement reflects ESDC’s ongoing efforts to reduce application backlogs and improve service delivery.
Global Talent Stream Remains Fast
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) continues to be Canada’s fastest LMIA pathway.
Current processing stands at only 9 days, making it an excellent option for employers hiring highly skilled professionals in technology and specialized occupations.
The Global Talent Stream helps Canadian companies quickly recruit international talent in sectors experiencing severe labour shortages.
Agricultural Programs Maintain Stable Processing
Agricultural employers also continue to receive relatively consistent processing times.
Current timelines include:
- Agricultural Stream – 22 days
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 9 days
These programs remain essential for Canada’s farming and food production industries.
Advertising Requirements Before LMIA Submission
One important point many applicants overlook is that LMIA processing time begins only after the application has been submitted.
Before submission, employers must complete mandatory recruitment and advertising requirements.
Depending on the stream, employers may need to advertise available positions for anywhere between 14 days and eight weeks.
This advertising period is not included in ESDC’s published processing times.
As a result, the overall hiring timeline can be considerably longer.
What Happens After LMIA Approval?
After receiving a positive or neutral LMIA, the employer provides the worker with:
- LMIA approval letter
- Official job offer
- Employment contract (if applicable)
The foreign worker can then submit a Canadian employer-specific work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Although ESDC recommends the employment duration, IRCC makes the final decision regarding the work permit validity period.
LMIA Validity Period
Most approved LMIAs remain valid for six months.
Foreign workers must submit their work permit application before the LMIA expires.
If the application is not submitted within the validity period, the employer may need to begin the LMIA process again.
Therefore, careful planning is essential for both employers and workers.
Canada Continues to Reduce Temporary Resident Numbers
Canada has announced lower admission targets under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The federal government plans to admit approximately 60,000 temporary foreign workers in 2026.
This represents a significant reduction compared to previous years.
Government statistics also indicate:
- Temporary foreign worker admissions declined during the first four months of 2026.
- Admissions were substantially lower than both 2025 and 2024.
- LMIA-exempt work permit admissions under the International Mobility Program have also decreased.
These measures support Canada’s broader objective of reducing the proportion of temporary residents in the country over the coming years.
What These Changes Mean for Employers
Canadian employers should carefully plan recruitment strategies.
Longer LMIA processing means:
- Earlier workforce planning
- Faster document preparation
- Complete applications to avoid delays
- Better coordination with foreign workers
Employers hiring through the High-Wage or Low-Wage streams should begin the process well before their intended employment start date.
What Foreign Workers Should Do
International job seekers should also prepare early.
Recommended steps include:
- Update your resume to Canadian standards.
- Secure a genuine employer willing to support an LMIA.
- Gather educational and employment documents.
- Ensure your passport remains valid.
- Prepare for the work permit application immediately after LMIA approval.
Early preparation can significantly reduce delays once the employer receives a positive LMIA.
Why Choose Globalwings Visa Consultants?
Navigating Canada’s LMIA and work permit process requires careful attention to documentation, eligibility requirements, and changing immigration policies.
Globalwings Visa Consultants provides personalized assistance for individuals seeking employment opportunities in Canada and employers looking to hire international talent.
Our services include:
- Canada Work Permit Assistance
- LMIA Guidance
- Employer Documentation Support
- Visa Filing Assistance
- Document Verification
- Immigration Consultation
- End-to-End Application Support
Our experienced team stays updated with the latest Canadian immigration policies to help clients make informed decisions throughout the application process.
The latest June 2026 LMIA processing update shows a mixed picture. While employers using the High-Wage and Low-Wage streams should expect longer waiting periods, improvements in the Permanent Resident Stream and the continued efficiency of the Global Talent Stream provide encouraging signs.
Whether you are a Canadian employer facing labour shortages or an international professional planning your career in Canada, staying informed about LMIA timelines is essential for successful immigration planning.
Professional guidance can help minimize delays and ensure your application meets all current requirements.
Contact Globalwings Visa Consultants
Need expert assistance with your Canada Work Permit or LMIA application?
Phone: +91-9355339924
Email: Info@globalwingsimmigrations.com
Get professional support from experienced immigration consultants and take the next step toward building your future in Canada with confidence.
