ESDC Updates LMIA Processing Times: Mixed News for Employers



Blog | Immigrate to Canada | Immigration | Immigration Reform | In the News | New Laws

v

0 comments



April 10, 2024

Employers seeking to hire foreign workers through Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) program will see a mixed bag of changes in processing times announced by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on April 5, 2024.

While the processing times for the in-demand Global Talent Stream remain steady at 7 business days, some streams have seen increases, potentially impacting hiring timelines.

Streamlining Some Streams, Delays in Others

The update brings some positive news for employers utilizing the High-wage Stream, which saw a decrease of 3 business days, bringing the processing time down to 51 business days. This could benefit companies seeking to attract highly skilled foreign workers in fields facing talent shortages.

However, the Permanent Residence Stream and the Low-wage Stream experienced delays. The Permanent Residence Stream processing time increased by 6 days to 79 business days, potentially impacting employers hoping to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. The Low-wage Stream also saw a slight increase of 1 business day, reaching 55 business days.

The Agricultural Stream and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program also saw a one-day increase, bringing their processing times to 13 and 7 business days respectively.

Current average LMIA processing times

Global Talent Stream – 7 business days

Agricultural stream – 13 business days (+1 day)

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days (+1 day)

Permanent residence Stream – 79 business days (+6 days)

High-wage Stream – 51 business days (-3 days)

Low-wage Stream – 55 business days (+1 day)

Understanding the Impact

These changes reflect the ongoing demand for foreign workers across various sectors in Canada. The continued fast processing for the Global Talent Stream highlights the government’s focus on attracting highly skilled individuals to fill critical labour gaps.

However, the delays in other streams could pose challenges for some employers. Businesses heavily reliant on temporary foreign workers, particularly in lower-wage sectors or those seeking permanent residency sponsorship for their employees, may need to adjust their hiring timelines or explore alternative recruitment strategies.

It’s important for employers to stay informed about these updates and work closely with immigration consultants to navigate the LMIA process effectively.