#lmia

ESDC published updated processing times for LMIA streams

On February 10, 2026, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centres, the average LMIA processing time has increased for all streams. Global Talent Stream - 11 business days (+1 day) Agricultural stream – 19 business days (+4 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - 16 business days (+6 days) Permanent Residence

Feb 11

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker arrivals hit a two-year low

New federal statistics reveal that work permit issuances under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) plummeted to just 2,615 in November 2025, marking the lowest monthly intake since early 2024. This sharp decline follows commitments from federal ministers to "rebalance" the program in response to concerns over housing shortages and wage suppression. While the program saw over 100,000 approvals annually during the post-pandemic peak of 2022–23, the government has since

Jan 22

Ottawa updated processing times for LMIA streams

On November 6, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centres, the current average LMIA processing time has increased across all streams. Global Talent Stream - 10 business days (+2 days) Agricultural stream – 16 business days (+3 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - 11 business days (+4 days) Permanen

Nov 10, 2025

IRCC updated the Recognized Employer Pilot: Multiple work permit applications are now permitted under a single LMIA

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced procedural updates to the Recognized Employer Pilot program. Effective October 24, 2025, applicants may now use a single Labour Market Impact Assessment for multiple work permit applications under the REP framework, contingent upon available positions remaining on the approved LMIA. IRCC has simultaneously established standardized procedures for officers to verify position availability on REP LMIAs. These clar

Oct 27, 2025