Work Permit Processing Time After LMIA in 2025: New Guide

Learning the work permit processing time following LMIA approval is essential to the foreign workers and the employer in the Canadian immigration process. Once you have successfully secured a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the following stage is securing a work permit, which also has its own processing time and requirements. The work permit application process has its own set of variables that may affect the timeline of obtaining a work permit, including the country you reside in, the type of work permit, and the completeness of your documentation. By this point in this guide, you should: have a good idea of what to expect when applying and how to optimise your application to make it process as fast as possible.

What are the Current Work Permit Processing Times After LMIA in 2025?

The work permit processing time after LMIA has undergone a considerable shift in 2025, but the time depends on the area of your application and its binding circumstances. It is essential to understand these current processing standards to make proper planning and expectancy management.

What are the Processing Times by Application Location?

The time it takes to process a work permit after an LMIA work permit is highly variable, whether applying internally or externally in Canada:

Express Processing Options

Under GSS, applicants will save time, and companies will be able to find foreign talent faster compared to work permit processing time after LMIA, when workers have a track record of work permit processing time.

Main Processing Properties

The GSS offers 2-week processing to eligible applicants who are found to fit into specific criteria:

Eligibility requirements:

• Have to apply outside of Canada.

• Job categorised in two TEER alignment levels 0 or 1 (highly skilled/managerial positions)

• Positive LMIA in the form of the Global Talent Stream

• Full completion of the application with all the necessary papers

• Relatives have to be placed at the same time

Faster Judgment, Different Decisions

• Estimated Completion: 2 weeks after the complete application has been submitted

• Spouse and Dependent Children: Spouse and minor children under age 26 will be eligible to receive the same timeframe

• Only Complete Applications: Incomplete applications get disqualified with GSS applicability

After the provincial nomination is done, a work permit through the provincial nominee program (PNP) is issued.

• Alberta PNP (AINP): Express entry stream for construction, energy, and healthcare

• Ontario PNP (OINP): In most of the tech occupations, 2-4 weeks

• PNP Tech: Special processing of 29 eligible tech positions

• Alberta PNP (AINP): Priority processing on construction, energy, and healthcare

The expedited options have significantly shortened the normal process of work permit processing time following the LMIA, making them a preferable option to the eligible candidates who are interested in getting faster entry into the Canadian workforce.

Also Read: Canada Removes LMIA Points to Prevent Immigration Fraud

What is the Current Work Permit Processing Time After LMIA Approval in 2025?

Work Permit Processing Time After LMIA Approval, one has to differentiate between two processes, which are consecutive in the system of the Canadian temporary foreign worker program. The second step in bringing foreign talent to Canada involves the work permit application. It will only take place after a positive LMIA has been received by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Críticos Variás Process:

• LMIA processing is undertaken in ESDC, and it assesses the labour market impact, and it takes 9240 business days based on the stream

• IRCC is in charge of work permit processing and concentrates on individual worker eligibility, and takes an average of 21-24 weeks when being processed outside Canada

• A sequential timeline implies that both processes have to be completed successfully, and the overall duration takes 3-8 months.

• Variations exist in the documentation requirements - LMIA is employer-centred, and the work permit assesses the worthiness of the worker.

• Each of the stages is administered by different agencies with different application procedures and costs.

• The time constraint associated with the LMIA validity period of 6 months necessitates applying for a work permit immediately after approval.

When Does Work Permit Processing Begin?

Work permit processing time commences after the LMIA is officially issued, provided all specified legal requirements have been met, and the processing clock has not started before all conditions are met.

Start Requirements:

• Positive LMIA obtained - Worker should have received an approved LMIA document by ESDC to apply with IRCC.

• Complete application received - IRCC has received all the forms, supporting documents, and the processing fees.

• LMIA validity window - Temporary Employee work permit applications must be filed within 6 months of when the LMIA was issued, or the LMIA becomes void

• Biometrics completion - Biometrics must be submitted within 30 days of the request, or it will result in a delay in processing

• Medical tests passed - Some jobs require medical tests to be passed before processing can ensue.

What is the LMIA Processing Time by Stream Before Work Permit Application in 2025?

The familiarity with LMIA processing times, as it can directly affect the total work permit processing time post-LMIA authorisation. The processing times constitute the initial compulsory stage in the process of applying for a work permit, which is varied in timing depending on various streams, with the current 2025 cycle having different timelines.

Global Talent Stream Processing

Global Talent Stream provides the shortest LMIA processing timeframe, designed to meet the needs of high-skilled jobs in technology and innovation sectors, and offer the fastest path to work permit processing time after LMIA.

The benefits of Global Talent Stream:

• Processing of LMIA applications within nine business days as of August 2025, securing the speediest LMIA pathway available, with faster work permit applications

• Any US occupation with the Skills Level of TEER 0 and 1, such as software developers, engineers, and data scientists, will qualify.

• A focus on technology sectors prioritises occupations in demand to stimulate the growth of the digital economy in Canada.

• The requirement of the LabourMarket Benefits Plan assures employers of their commitment towards knowledge transfer and the creation of job opportunities for Canadian workers.

• Specific partners, such as technology accelerators and venture capital firms, may be used to expedite the process through pre-established relationships.

• The highlight of the combined timeline benefits is that the work permit can be processed in 2 weeks after approval of the LMIA under the Global Skills Strategy, providing a total turnaround time of around 4-5 weeks.

High-Wage and Low-Wage Stream Timelines

High-Wage and Low-Wage streams are the regular LMIA processing channels that most temp foreign worker jobs utilise, with the recent updates significantly impacting the high work permit processing time following the LMIA timeframe.

High-Wage-Stream Processing:

• The average processing time in the business was 37 days as of August 2025, which is 4 days better than earlier months, thereby demonstrating an increase in efficiency in processing times in the business.

• Wage threshold requirement mandates a minimum wage requirement by requiring that positions pay at or above the provincial/territorial median wage. In most cases, this wage rate ranges between 2535 per hour, depending on the location.

• Skilled occupations usually involve positions in management, professional, and technical jobs that require skills that necessitate occupation-specific training or certification.

• Documentation requirements are linked to detailed recruitment documentation, wage requirements, and transition arrangements for hiring Canadians.

• Processing fee of $1,000 per position for most High-Wage Stream applications submitted to ESDC

• Regional differences could have an impact on the processing attributable to unemployment rates and specific labour market conditions at the regional level.

Low Wage Stream Processing:

The decreased processing time of an average of 4 days of 41 business days as of August 2025 was also another indicator of consistency in improving processing times.

• The wage floor applies to positions that do not receive provincial/territorial median salaries, which are roles offering service-level and entry-level positions.

• There are also limits to low-wage employees (a maximum of 20% in the workforce) and heavier compliance tracking procedures.

• Seasonality issues also tend to influence the volumes of processing, especially in the agricultural industry, as well as the hospitality and retail sectors, during peak seasons.

• When there is enhanced scrutiny, better reasons have to be provided to hire foreign workers instead of the available Canadian residents.

• Fees consist of a $1000 processing fee per place, plus possible additional compliance fees and bond payments.

Also Read: LMIA Approved Jobs in Canada: Job List, Industry & Tips

What are the Factors Affecting Work Permit Processing Time After LMIA in 2025?

Several variables can significantly influence the processing time of your work permit once the LMIA is granted, and some variables can extend the timelines by weeks and even months. Knowing them will help applicants complete their preparations on time without experiencing delays that may affect their employment dates.

The main processing variables are:

1. Application completeness is the most critical determinant; incomplete applications run 4-8 weeks as missing documents are secured and sent in to make the application complete.

2. Biometrics: submission of biometrics might extend it by 1-2 weeks, should they not be submitted within 30 days of the request

3. Occupation-related further processing requirements, such as medical examination, can also take another 2-4weeks before processing can be complete, depending on the availability of appointments.

4. Processing times are most susceptible to seasonal variations in workloads, which add 15-25 per cent to processing time occasionally during peak work-sharing season (May-September)

5. Country of residence deals a lot with timelines where an application that an Indian applicant places may take 21-24 weeks, and an application being sponsored by an applicant who is in the United States may take 11 weeks.s

6. Security clearance complexity depends on the background of the applicant and may include additional time to meet enhanced applicant screening requirements.

Application Completeness and Documentation

Applicant completeness is the one item that you can control to have the most significant positive impact on work permit processing length following LMIA, where in a majority of cases, unfixed delays were due to applicants failing to provide required documentation.

Full Application Requirements:

1. All the required forms should be completed in detail with correct information, and these include IMM 1295 (work permit application) and those of any family members.

2. The accompanying documents, such as a legitimate passport, a favourable LMIA, a detailed job offer letter, and confirmation of qualifications, are supposed to be provided at the same time.

3. Processing fees of CAD 155 on a work permit and CAD 85 biometric fee (where applicable) must be paid at the time of submission as well.

4. Digital photograph requirements should be up to the standard of IRCC in terms of lighting, background, and facial alignment to avoid being rejected.

5. More accurate translations are required by law where the content of a document is not in English or French; thus, when not pre-prepared, this may delay the process.

6. Document authenticity checks can take a longer time on complex applications, which have complicated educational or employment backgrounds.

Biometrics and Medical Requirements

Biometrics and medical requirements introduce specific time frames into the work permit processing time following LMIA, depending on the occupation type and applicant country of residence, and advanced planning is the key to reducing delays.

Medical Requirements of Examination:

1. Other factors that may need medical exams are occupational-specific mandates that involve medical exams for healthcare workers, teachers, and even those who work with vulnerable groups of people.

2. Availability of a panel physician appointment is generally within 1-2 weeks in metropolitan areas, up to 4-6 weeks in non-metropolitan regions.

3. Post medical processing further extends the results review by 2-4 weeks before it is integrated into the assessment of the application.

4. Further examination may be required depending on the outcome of the initial examination, which also extends the time requirements for additional tests to be done.

5. Medical validity periods of 12 months must be retested if processing takes longer than 12 months.

6. The medical screening processes conducted in each country could result in the implementation of some specific tests, depending on the epidemiological factors.

Step-by-Step Timeline: From LMIA to Work Permit

It is essential to have a clear and increased visibility of the entire work permit processing cycle after LMIA by breaking each step, beginning with the application of LMIA to the issuance of a work permit.

1. Pre-LMIA 2-4 Weeks

• Recruitment Demonstration - Employer recruits Canadians and posts its jobs for 4+ weeks

• Document Design - Compilation of documents, analysis of salaries, and business documentation done

• LMIA Application Filing - Filed forms should include a fee of $1,000

2. Phase 2: Processing of LMIA (Stream-specific)

• Global Talent Stream: 9 business days

• High-Wage Stream: 37-day business

• Low Wage Stream: 41 business days.

• Agricultural Business: 16 business days.

• Positive LMIA approved - 6-month valid.

Step 3: Home Visit Application for Work Permit

• Application approval 6-month permitted duration - LMIA.

• Biometrics/medical exams - If needed, adds 2-4 weeks.s

• Processing time - The processing time of the work permit after LMIA varies by location

• In the rest of the world: 21-24 weeks average

• International Skills Roadmap: 2 weeks

• Stamping - Port of entry letter or working permit stamped

Also Read: Canada Work Permit Processing Time After Biometrics

Tips to Reduce Work Permit Processing Time After LMIA

Employing effective strategic preparation measures can markedly reduce the processing time for your work permit after LMIA by averting common delays and promoting efficient processing. Such practical methods facilitate convenient coordination of applications and meeting government requirements within the stipulated time by the applicants.

The Major Strategies of Optimisation:

1. Once the LMIA has been approved, it is best to submit a complete application to take advantage of the six-month timeline and avoid expiration delays.

2. Heading LMIA preparation efforts in advance, so documents are ready for prompt submission as soon as a favourable LMIA is granted

3. Choose the most favourable application window during the off-peak hours (May to September), having a lower processing load.

4. If eligible, submit your application from a country with faster processing times, such as the USA (11 weeks) compared with India (21–24 weeks) or the Philippines (19 weeks).

5. Utilise expedited routes, including the Global Skills Strateg, for the eligibility of high-skill positions (two-week processing)

6. Follow the monthly IRCy progress reports as they accommodate more processing enhancements, and when it is the right time to apply.

 Submitting Complete Applications

The most manageable determinant of work-permit processing time after LMIA is application completeness; incomplete documents trigger delays of up to 4–8 weeks as the applicant submits and resubmits the requisite documents.

Required Document Checklist:

1. Core Application Forms—IMM 1295 (work permit application), IMM 5488 (document checklist), and IMM 5707 (family information)—improperly completed or unsigned

2. Identity Documentation - A valid passport that expires no sooner than six months from the application date, along with two passport photos in exact compliance with IRCC specifications

3. Employment Documentation - A copy of the LMIA, a comprehensive job-offer letter that mirrors the LMIA particulars, and corroboration of the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

4. Processing Fees - CAD $155 for the work permit, CAD $85 for biometrics when required, should be paid at the same time as the application.

5. Quebec-specific Requirements - Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) required when you plan to work in Quebec, and must be acquired before submitting your work-permit application.

Responding Quickly to IRCC Requests

You must respond swiftly to IRCC requests because lengthy delays can push back processing by starting the clock over once more. Timely replies to IRCC requests can avert lengthy delays to your work permit after LMIA approval, since late responses often restart the processing timeline from the beginning.

• Document Requests - IRCC provides 30 to 60 days for the presentation of missing documents, but with a faster presentation, the process is more rapid.

• Requesting a Medical Exam - The panel physician should be appointed within 30 days of the request, or the request may be cancelled.

• Interview Duplications-You should not make duplicates of the interview log.

• Verification Requests - List in required time periods, provide detailed explanations, and avoid refusal decisions.

• Biometric Guidance - Schedule and complete biometric capture at an authorised collection centre within 30 days to prevent cancellation of the application.

• Status Updates - Indicate any changes to your situation to IRCC promptly; changes in addresses, marriage, or employment.

• Status Reporting - Report to the IRCC promptly in case of changes to your circumstances, including address, marital status, and employment.

Country-Specific Processing Times for Work Permits in 2025

The amount of time after LMIA differs radically depending on the country of the applicant and the processing facilities concerned, which have different volumes and regional workloads. These country-specific timelines help the applicants organise their expectations and design their employment start dates accordingly.

The wide range in work permit processing time lag post LMIA by nation of origin clearly supports the need to start planning early, especially for those applicants whose countries of residence have relatively longer processing times, such as Indian, where it may take up to 6 months.

Also Read: Poland Work Permit Visa: Types, Cost, Processing & More

What Happens After Work Permit Approval? Experts Guide & Insights 2025

After the processing time on your work permit after LMIA is over and the approval is granted, some significant processes must be undergone to start working legally in Canada. It varies depending on whether you applied internally or externally.

Procedures to be carried out upon the approval of the work permit:

1. Receive the approval letter. IRCC responds to you through your LMIA/ online account, or by mail, indicating the completion of the work permit processing time considerations if approved.

2. Receive actual work permit document - For outside Canada applications, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter, which you must activate at the border; inside Canada, you will receive physical permits in the mail within 6 weeks.

3. Activate work permit at the border - Work permit cannot be applied offshore, and to activate the work permit, a visitor must enter Canada and provide their POE letter to the border officials, and be issued with the actual work permit document.t

4. Authorised employment - With inside Canada applicants, they may be employed immediately upon notification of approval; with outside Canada applicants, they must wait to be issued shore activation.

5. Check work permit terms - Check employer restrictions, limits to work locations, and the duration of the permit to check its compliance.

6. Apply for interim work authorisation - If shifting employers when already in Canada, follow the new 2025 policy of allowing work during the permit process (10-15 business days to get approval)

What are the Reasons for Common Delays and How to Avoid Them?

Understanding the most frequent causes of extended work permit processing time after LMIA helps applicants proactively prevent delays and maintain their expected employment timelines.

Also Read: Spouse Open Work Permit Canada: Latest Experts Guide

What are the Work Permit Extensions and Processing Times in Canada 2025?

Figuring out a work permit extension is crucial for keeping a valid work status in Canada. Extensions have timelines different from the first work permit processing time after LMIA applications and also include significant implied status protections during processing.

Latest Facts and News

• LMIA processing times have been reduced to 21 days for certain high-priority sectors in 2025

• Average work permit processing time after LMIA approval is approximately 21 weeks (5 months) for applications outside Canada

• Global Talent Stream applications are now processed within 7-10 business days, making it the fastest LMIA stream.

• New updates from April 2025 show High-Wage and Low-Wage streams now take 74 business days each.

• Online work permit applications from within Canada take around 128-135 days (4-4.5 months)

• Recent processing time changes affect several LMIA categories, with some experiencing slight delays.

• Express processing options are available for certain applications, reducing timelines to days or weeks.

Also Read: New Rules for Work Permit in Canada - Experts' Guide

Conclusion

Processing time after LMIA for a work permit is a pivotal aspect of planning by employers and foreign workers using the Canadian temporary foreign worker program in 2025. Processing can take between 2 weeks under the Global Skills Strategy and 24 weeks, depending on the route of the application. This factor is necessary to be familiar with to make the transition process successful.

The detailed guide proves that the work permit processing time following LMIA may take a substantially different period depending on numerous aspects such as place of application, country of residence, stream, and the completeness of the application. Indian applicants are the slowest, with waits of 21- 24 weeks, and the US is 11 weeks quicker.

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