Canada has issued a new warning of increased processing times for Work Permits due to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) delays.
To help employers and candidates who are facing the issue, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has published average processing times by each Temporary Foreign Worker Program category.
Global Talent Stream candidates can still expect their applications processed in 10 days, but those applying through the low wage stream can expect a wait of 120 business days.
Expected LMIA Processing Times
Application type |
Processing Time |
Global Talent Stream |
10 business days |
Agricultural Stream |
30 business days |
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program |
15 business days |
Permanent Residence Stream |
40 business days |
In-home Caregivers |
25 business days |
High-wage Stream |
85 business days |
Low-wage Stream |
120 business days |
Source: ESDC
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An ESDC statement said: “We are currently experiencing a high number of LMIA applications which is resulting in longer processing times for some streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
“We are providing recent processing times by stream to help you estimate how long it will take us to assess your application. Please account for these when planning for your employment needs.”
This is the third time ESDC has warned of LMIA processing delays in the last year, after initially issuing a warning in October 2018, and a second warning in April 2019.
Officials also urged applicants to ensure applications are complete before submission, and to respond promptly to requests for addition information.