Hiring foreign workers in Canada involves a critical step applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job. On May 14, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated LMIA processing times across all major streams. The latest numbers reveal significant delays in certain categories, especially in the Permanent Residence Stream.

If you’re an employer planning to hire from abroad, or a worker waiting on an LMIA-backed job offer, knowing these changes can help you plan better and avoid setbacks. Let’s take a closer look at the updated timelines, what they mean for your hiring process, and why now might be the best time to book a consultation with RCIC experts.

Updated LMIA Processing Times – May 2025

Here are the average LMIA processing times (in business days) as reported by ESDC for April 2025:

What These Changes Mean for Employers

The spike in processing time for the Permanent Residence Stream up by 49 days is particularly concerning. At over 214 business days, this can delay long-term workforce planning for Canadian employers. This stream is often used when employers support a worker’s PR application, so delays could impact timelines for permanent recruitment.

On the other hand, the High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams have improved significantly, shaving off 13 business days. If you’re looking to fill roles that don’t fall under the specialized Global Talent or agricultural categories, this is a good opportunity to fast-track your hiring plans.

Key tips for employers:

• Always ensure LMIA applications are complete and accurate.
• Understand which stream fits your job offer best.
• Include detailed job descriptions that match the NOC code.

For Workers: Delays Can Affect Your PR Timeline

If you’re a temporary foreign worker applying for permanent residency with employer support through an LMIA, the extended 214-day timeline could delay your overall PR process. In some cases, these delays can lead to expired work permits or lost job offers.

What you can do:

• Maintain status while you wait, and apply for a bridging open work permit if eligible.
• Keep all documents ready: language tests, work experience proofs, and employer letters.
• Explore alternative PR pathways such as Express Entry or PNPs that don’t require LMIA.

Getting professional help can make all the difference. If you’re unsure how these changes affect your case, it’s time to book a consultation with RCIC to explore your options.

Common Reasons for LMIA Processing Delays

ESDC delays often stem from incomplete or incorrect applications. Here’s a quick checklist to avoid errors:

• Submit all required documents
• Ensure employer signatures are present
• Pay the required application fee
• For Quebec: Submit to both Service Canada and MIFI in the required formats

If any of these steps are missed, your application won’t even enter the processing queue.

Prepare Smart, Avoid Delays

Whether you’re an employer trying to bring in global talent or a foreign national building a future in Canada, LMIA delays can disrupt your plans. While some streams like the Global Talent Stream remain relatively fast, others especially the Permanent Residence Stream now require much more lead time.

The best move? Don’t go through it alone. IRCC and ESDC requirements can be detailed and confusing. With current processing times in flux, book consultation with RCIC experts to ensure your LMIA and immigration strategy stays on track. A small step now can save you months later.

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