LMIA Processing Times: Key Changes and Updates for 2025

What Is LMIA and Why Is It Important for Employers?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that employers in Canada must obtain before hiring foreign workers. The LMIA process ensures that hiring a temporary foreign worker (TFW) will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. Canadian employers must prove that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the job position before receiving a positive LMIA. For businesses looking to hire skilled workers, an LMIA is often a required step in securing a work permit for the foreign national. The process varies depending on the type of LMIA application, such as high-wage stream, low-wage streams, agricultural stream, and the Global Talent Stream. Understanding the LMIA process is crucial for employers seeking to hire foreign workers efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Updated LMIA Processing Times (As of 2025)

The LMIA application processing times are continuously updated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). As of 2025, several factors are influencing the average processing times, including:

• High demand for temporary foreign workers due to ongoing labour shortages in key industries.
• Changes in attestations for business legitimacy requirements.
• Regional restrictions on low-wage positions in areas with high unemployment rates.
• New wage threshold rules, impacting how applications are categorized under different LMIA streams.

According to Service Canada, the current LMIA processing times vary depending on the type of application:

• Global Talent Stream: Approximately two weeks for highly skilled positions.
• High-wage stream: Ranges from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on processing centers.
• Low-wage stream: Increased delays, now estimated between 10 to 16 weeks.
• Agricultural stream: Between 6 to 10 weeks.
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: Remains at around 6 weeks.

Employers should refer to Canada’s official website for real-time updates on LMIA application processing.

Key Changes Impacting LMIA Applications in 2025

Wage Threshold Increase and Change in Attestations

Starting November 8, 2024, the wage threshold used to determine whether an employer falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream will increase by 20 percent. This means that more positions may fall under the high-wage stream, affecting the LMIA processing time and employer responsibilities. Additionally, starting October 28, 2024, employers will no longer be allowed to use attestations from lawyers or chartered professional accountants to prove business legitimacy. Employers must provide additional supporting documents, such as financial statements, tax filings, and payroll records, which may lead to significant delays in LMIA application processing.

New Measures for Low-Wage Positions

Starting September 26, 2024, certain LMIA applications for low-wage positions will face additional restrictions, including:

• LMIA applications for low-wage positions in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6 percent or higher will not be processed.
• In some industries, the current 20 percent cap on low-wage positions will be reduced to 10 percent.
• The cap for construction and healthcare sectors will be reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent.
• The maximum employment period for low-wage positions will be reduced from 2 years to 1 year.

Employers in Montréal should also note that from September 3, 2024, to March 3, 2025, there will be a temporary refusal to process LMIA applications for low-wage positions in the region. More details can be found on Canada's official LMIA processing page .

What Do These Changes Mean for Employers?

These new measures will impact Canadian employers significantly, particularly those in industries that rely on low-wage foreign workers. The increase in wage thresholds and the additional documentation requirements may result in longer processing times and increased processing fees. Employers must also adjust their hiring strategies and be prepared for additional scrutiny in their LMIA applications. To avoid delays, Canadian employers should:

• Submit their LMIA applications well in advance.
• Ensure compliance with prevailing wages and labour market requirements.
• Prepare alternative recruitment strategies to address labour shortages.
• Keep up to date with stream processing time changes and new eligibility criteria.

Approval Rate for LMIA Applications

The LMIA approval rate varies depending on several factors, including the employer’s compliance history, recruitment efforts, and the economic needs of the Canadian labour market. In general:

• High-wage LMIAs tend to have a higher approval rate compared to low-wage applications.
• Global Talent Stream applications have a fast-track process with high approval rates.
• Low-wage applications are facing higher refusal rates, particularly in areas with higher unemployment.

Employers should ensure they meet recruitment efforts and job offer requirements to increase their chances of obtaining a positive LMIA.

How AKM Law Can Help with the Process

Navigating the LMIA process can be complex, especially with the updated LMIA processing times and regulatory changes in 2025. At AKM Law, we assist employers in understanding the LMIA Canada application process and ensuring compliance with the latest requirements. Our services include:

• Determining the correct LMIA stream for your business.
• Assisting with recruitment efforts and compliance with Job Bank postings.
• Preparing and submitting LMIA applications efficiently.
• Advising on work permit applications and pathways to permanent residence.

If you are ready to start your journey, schedule a consultation with our Senior Lawyer and Certified Immigration Specialist, Aminder, today, and let us help you with your application to immigrate to Canada. Schedule a consultation with us here. The LMIA processing time in 2025 is subject to new wage thresholds, stricter documentation requirements, and increased restrictions on low-wage positions. Employers must plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure successful LMIA approval. With the right approach and professional guidance, businesses can continue hiring skilled workers while staying compliant with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) regulations.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.