Labour Market Impact Assessment application processing times

Transitioning to online applications

As of April 2023, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is moving to online LMIA applications. Consult the LMIA Online Portal Resources page frequently for details and updates.

Get a head start and use the LMIA Online Portal today!

Service Canada is committed to providing all Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) applicants with a positive client experience, and understands that the program, through its various delivery streams, is key to addressing labour shortages in Canada, and meeting the needs of Canadian businesses.

Processing times of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications can vary depending on the number of applications received by the TFWP. While we are committed to processing all LMIA applications as quickly as possible, you can help reduce processing times by:

Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed or returned (you will not be charged the service fee, if one was required).

LMIA Online applications:

The table below identifies the average processing times across all processing centres in Canada and represents the average time it takes to process a complete application from when it is received by Service Canada to when the decision letter is sent to you. Please consider the average processing times below to help you plan for your employment needs.

For positions in Quebec for an employment period of more than 30 consecutive days:

  • LMIA applications must be submitted at the same time to Service Canada and the Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) (in French only)
    • failure to do so will prevent your application from being processed and will result in its closure. No refund of the processing fee will be made
  • all applications must be submitted to MIFI in paper format
  • the names of the temporary foreign workers must be included in the application

For more information, consult Hiring in the province of Quebec.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for the issuance of work permits once you have received a positive decision on your LMIA application. Also remember to consider the processing times associated with the issuance of work permits by IRCC.

Average LMIA processing times for February 2023
Application type Average processing time
Global Talent Stream 9 business days
Agricultural stream 15 business days
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program 12 business days
Permanent residence stream 25 business days
In-home caregivers 29 business days
High-wage stream 33 business days
Low-wage stream 36 business days

To obtain immediate assistance with your LMIA application, please contact the Employer Contact Centre from Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 8 pm, Eastern time:

Canada and the United States:

Outside Canada and the United States:

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