LMIA processing times rise in October 2026 across most TFWP streams
LMIA processing times under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program increased in October 2026 for most streams, according to figures released on Nov. 12, 2026 by Employment and Social Development Canada. The rise affects employers and foreign workers across high‑wage, low‑wage, permanent‑resident and other streams, while the agricultural stream saw a slight decrease.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- LMIA wait times grew for most TFWP streams in October 2026
- Timing
- Figures published on Nov. 12, 2026 reflect October processing
- Who is affected
- Employers filing LMIA applications and foreign workers awaiting permits
The details
- Announced by
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Takes effect
- Nov. 12, 2026
- Previous rule
- In September 2026, most streams recorded shorter processing times, with the agricultural stream already showing a two‑day reduction from the prior month.
- New rule
- October 2026 data show LMIA processing times lengthened across the board except for agriculture, with high‑wage reaching 102 days and low‑wage climbing to 86 days.
October figures overview
ESDC released its monthly LMIA statistics on Nov. 12, 2026, showing average business days required to process applications for each TFWP stream. All streams except agriculture posted longer wait times compared with September. The permanent‑resident stream recorded the biggest jump, adding more than two weeks to its processing time.
- High‑wage LMIA processing surpassed 100 days for the first time in 2026, reaching 102 days.
- Low‑wage LMIA wait times rose to 86 days, a 2026 high and 76% above January levels.
- The Global Talent Stream held steady at nine days, staying under the 10‑day service standard.
Stream‑specific changes
The agricultural stream continued its downward trend, posting a second consecutive month of reduced processing times and reaching its lowest level since March. The SAWP stream overtook the Global Talent Stream for the first time since May. The permanent‑resident stream, previously the longest from January to June, is now eight days faster than the high‑wage stream.
- Agricultural LMIA wait times fell by two days from September.
- SAWP processing times now exceed those of the Global Talent Stream.
Additional context
LMIA timelines do not include the mandatory advertising period, which varies from 14 days to eight weeks depending on the stream. Low‑wage applications are excluded from CMAs with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, except for exempt occupations such as early childhood educators added on Nov. 6. The list of affected CMAs is updated quarterly, with the next revision set for Jan. 8, 2027.
- Advertising periods can add up to eight weeks before an LMIA is filed.
- Exempt occupations in high‑unemployment CMAs were expanded to include early childhood educators.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Employers should anticipate longer LMIA processing when planning hiring timelines for October applications.
- Foreign workers may need to adjust work‑permit application dates to align with extended LMIA wait times.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced; existing LMIA and work‑permit fees remain unchanged.
- Applicants must still provide the LMIA decision letter, LMIA number, job offer letter and contract.
What you need to do
- Employers should submit complete supporting documentation to avoid additional delays.
- Monitor quarterly CMA exemption updates, especially if hiring low‑wage workers in high‑unemployment areas.
- Foreign workers must apply for work permits before the six‑month LMIA expiry, accounting for longer processing.
Who this affects
-
Employers filing high‑wage LMIA applications
High‑wage processing times rose to 102 days in October 2026.
What to do Plan recruitment schedules with the extended processing period in mind.
-
Employers filing low‑wage LMIA applications
Low‑wage wait times increased to 86 days and are excluded from certain CMAs.
What to do Check CMA status and exemption lists before submitting applications.
-
Agricultural sector employers
Agricultural LMIA wait times decreased for the second month in a row.
What to do May benefit from faster processing; continue to meet stream‑specific advertising rules.
-
Foreign workers awaiting work permits
LMIA approvals now take longer, affecting permit application timing.
What to do Apply for work permits before the LMIA expires, considering the new timelines.
-
Employers using the permanent‑resident stream
This stream saw the most significant increase, adding over two weeks to processing.
What to do Adjust expectations for permanent‑resident LMIA outcomes accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What are the October 2026 LMIA processing times for high‑wage applications?
The high‑wage LMIA stream took an average of 102 business days to process in October 2026, marking the first time it exceeded 100 days this year.
Did any TFWP streams see faster LMIA processing in October 2026?
Yes, the agricultural stream recorded a two‑day reduction from September, achieving its lowest processing time since March.
How does the advertising period affect LMIA timelines?
The advertised period, required before filing an LMIA, can range from 14 days to eight weeks and is not included in the published processing‑time figures.
Are low‑wage LMIA applications still excluded from high‑unemployment CMAs?
Low‑wage applications remain excluded from CMAs with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, except for newly added exempt occupations such as early childhood educators as of Nov. 6.
When will the next update to the list of affected CMAs be released?
The federal government updates the CMA exemption list quarterly, with the next revision scheduled for Jan. 8, 2027.
Do the October 2026 LMIA figures affect work‑permit expiry dates?
LMIA processing times do not directly set work‑permit expiry dates; IRCC determines the permit duration after the LMIA is approved.
