Canada remains one of the world’s top destinations for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers. Every year, thousands of employers hire international talent to fill labour shortages across industries such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, hospitality, and information technology.
For many foreign workers, obtaining a Canadian work permit begins with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
One of the most frequently asked questions is:
“How long does a Canada LMIA Work Permit take?”
The answer depends on two separate stages.
First, the employer must obtain a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), where required. After that, the foreign worker submits a work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Each stage has its own processing timeline, and several factors can influence how long the overall process takes.
This guide explains how LMIA work permits work, the complete application process, factors affecting processing times, common reasons for delays, and practical tips to improve your chances of approval.
What Is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
It allows the Canadian government to determine whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative impact on Canada’s labour market.
A positive or neutral LMIA generally allows an eligible employer to hire a foreign worker when no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position.
Not every Canadian work permit requires an LMIA, but many employer-specific work permits do.
What Is an LMIA Work Permit?
An LMIA Work Permit is an employer-specific work permit based on an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Unlike an open work permit, this type of work permit normally limits you to:
- A specific employer
- A specific occupation
- A specific work location
- A defined period of employment
If you change employers, you will usually need a new work permit unless you qualify under another immigration pathway.
How Long Does a Canada LMIA Work Permit Take?
The total processing time consists of two separate stages.
Stage 1: LMIA Processing
The employer submits an LMIA application to ESDC.
The government reviews:
- Labour shortages
- Recruitment efforts
- Wage offered
- Working conditions
- Business legitimacy
- Employer eligibility
Only after a positive or neutral LMIA has been issued can most foreign workers proceed with their work permit application.
Stage 2: Work Permit Processing
After receiving the approved LMIA (or LMIA number where applicable), the foreign worker submits a work permit application to IRCC.
IRCC then assesses:
- Eligibility
- Identity
- Biometrics
- Medical examination (if required)
- Background verification
- Security screening
Only after these assessments are complete is a final decision made.
How the LMIA Work Permit Process Works
Understanding each stage helps applicants prepare realistic expectations.
Step 1: Employer Applies for an LMIA
Before hiring many foreign workers, the employer must apply to ESDC.
The employer typically provides:
- Job details
- Recruitment efforts
- Business information
- Wage information
- Labour market justification
ESDC reviews whether employing a foreign worker is justified.
Step 2: Positive LMIA Issued
If approved, ESDC issues a positive or neutral LMIA.
The employer provides the LMIA documentation (or LMIA number where applicable) to the foreign worker.
This allows the worker to apply for a work permit.
Step 3: Submit the Work Permit Application
The applicant creates an IRCC account and submits the work permit application online.
Typical supporting documents include:
- Passport
- Approved LMIA
- Job offer letter
- Employment contract
- Educational certificates
- Employment reference letters
- Police certificates (where applicable)
- Medical examination confirmation (if required)
Submitting complete documentation reduces the likelihood of delays.
Step 4: Complete Biometrics
Most applicants outside Canada are required to provide:
- Fingerprints
- Digital photograph
Biometrics confirm the applicant’s identity.
Completing biometrics does not indicate that the work permit has been approved.
Step 5: Medical Examination
Some applicants must complete an immigration medical examination.
Medical examinations are commonly required for people intending to work in:
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Agriculture
- Long-term care
- Other designated occupations
Additional medical reviews may extend processing.
Step 6: Background Verification
IRCC reviews:
- Employment history
- Immigration history
- Identity documents
- Travel history
- Supporting documentation
Straightforward applications generally progress more efficiently.
Step 7: Security Screening
Every applicant undergoes security screening before a final decision is made.
Applicants cannot influence or expedite this stage.
Step 8: Final Decision
If approved, applicants outside Canada generally receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
The actual work permit is issued by a border services officer when the worker arrives in Canada and satisfies all entry requirements.
Factors That Affect Canada LMIA Work Permit Processing Time
Several factors influence the total processing timeline.
LMIA Processing Time
Before IRCC can process many employer-specific work permits, ESDC must first complete the LMIA assessment.
The time required depends on:
- Application stream
- Employer documentation
- Occupation
- Government workload
Work Permit Category
Employer-specific work permits follow different procedures from open work permits and LMIA-exempt work permits.
Medical Examination Requirements
Applicants requiring immigration medical examinations often experience longer processing times.
Background Verification
Identity, employment history, previous visas, and immigration records may require verification.
Additional Document Requests
If IRCC requests additional information, processing usually pauses until the requested documents have been reviewed.
Seasonal Demand
Processing demand often increases during:
- International recruitment periods
- Agricultural hiring seasons
- Construction hiring periods
- University graduation seasons
Higher application volumes may affect overall timelines.
How to Improve Your Chances of Faster Processing
Although no applicant can guarantee faster approval, careful preparation can reduce avoidable delays.
Ensure the LMIA Is Accurate
Before submitting your work permit application, verify that the information on your LMIA matches your job offer and supporting documents.
Submit Complete Supporting Documents
Include every required document with your initial application.
Incomplete applications remain one of the leading causes of delays.
Complete Medical Requirements Early
If a medical examination is required, completing it promptly can help prevent unnecessary waiting later in the process.
Respond Quickly to IRCC Requests
If IRCC asks for additional documents or clarification, upload the requested information as soon as possible.
Prompt responses help your application continue moving forward.
If your employer does not require an LMIA, our Canada Open Work Permit Processing Time guide explains the processing timeline for LMIA-exempt work permits. You may also find our Canada Work Permit Processing Time guide helpful for understanding the broader Canadian work permit process.
Canada LMIA Work Permit Processing Time After Biometrics
Completing biometrics is an important step in your LMIA-based work permit application, but it does not mean your application has been approved.
After biometrics, IRCC still needs to complete several checks before making a final decision.
These may include:
- Eligibility review
- LMIA verification
- Employer and job offer review
- Medical examination review
- Background verification
- Security screening
- Final officer assessment
Because LMIA work permits involve both employer documentation and worker eligibility, they can sometimes require more review than straightforward open work permit applications.
Why Is My Canada LMIA Work Permit Taking So Long?
A longer processing time does not always mean there is a problem with your application.
Several factors can delay an LMIA work permit.
LMIA Verification
IRCC may review the LMIA details to confirm that they match your work permit application.
They may check:
- Employer name
- Job title
- Work location
- Wage
- Employment duration
- LMIA number
Any mismatch can trigger additional review.
Employer Verification
Because this is an employer-specific work permit, the Canadian employer may be reviewed again during the work permit stage.
IRCC may verify:
- Business legitimacy
- Job offer details
- Employment conditions
- Compliance history
Medical Examination Review
If your job requires a medical exam, IRCC must review your results before approval.
This is common for jobs in:
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Agriculture
- Elderly care
- Food-related or public health-sensitive roles
Background Checks
IRCC may review your previous travel history, employment history, identity documents, and immigration records.
Applicants with simple records may move faster, while applications requiring extra verification may take longer.
Security Screening
Every applicant must pass security screening before receiving a final decision.
This stage cannot be rushed by the applicant or employer.
Additional Document Requests
IRCC may ask for more documents if something is missing or unclear.
Common requests include:
- Updated passport
- Revised job offer
- Updated LMIA document
- Employment reference letters
- Police certificate
- Medical exam confirmation
- Proof of qualifications
Respond as quickly as possible to avoid further delays.
How to Track Your Canada LMIA Work Permit Application
You can track your application through your online IRCC account.
Common updates include:
- Application submitted
- Biometrics requested
- Biometrics completed
- Medical passed
- Eligibility review
- Background verification
- Final decision
It is normal for your account to stay unchanged for weeks while IRCC completes internal checks.
What Happens After Approval?
If your LMIA work permit is approved from outside Canada, IRCC usually issues a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.
This letter is not the actual work permit.
You will present it when you arrive in Canada. A border services officer will review your documents and issue the actual work permit if you meet all entry requirements.
Before travelling, check:
- Your name
- Passport number
- Employer name
- Job title
- Work location
- Validity dates
Any mistake should be reported before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Canada LMIA Work Permit take?
The total timeline depends on both LMIA processing and work permit processing. The employer must usually receive a positive or neutral LMIA before the foreign worker can apply for the work permit.
Does an approved LMIA guarantee a work permit?
No.
An approved LMIA supports your application, but IRCC must still decide whether you qualify for the work permit.
Does biometrics mean my LMIA work permit is approved?
No.
Biometrics only verify your identity. IRCC must still complete eligibility checks, employer verification, medical review, background checks, and security screening.
Can I work in Canada while waiting for my LMIA work permit?
You must have valid authorization before starting work in Canada, unless you qualify under a specific legal exception.
Can I change employers with an LMIA work permit?
Usually no.
Most LMIA work permits are employer-specific. If you want to work for another employer, you may need a new LMIA and a new work permit.
Why is my LMIA work permit delayed?
Common reasons include LMIA verification, employer checks, medical review, background verification, missing documents, and high application volume.
What happens if IRCC asks for more documents?
Upload the requested documents as soon as possible through your IRCC account. Delayed responses can increase your overall processing time.
Can my employer speed up my work permit?
Your employer can respond quickly if IRCC requests verification, but they usually cannot force faster processing.
What is a POE Letter?
A Port of Entry Letter of Introduction is an approval letter issued to many applicants outside Canada. You present it at the Canadian border to receive your actual work permit.
Can an LMIA work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes.
Many foreign workers later qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other immigration pathways. Our Canada Express Entry Processing Time and Canada PR Processing Time guides explain those timelines.
Final Thoughts
A Canada LMIA Work Permit involves two important stages: the employer’s LMIA process and the worker’s work permit application. Because both stages require review, the overall timeline can vary depending on the employer, occupation, documents, medical requirements, and background checks.
The best way to reduce avoidable delays is to submit a complete and consistent application. Your LMIA, job offer, employment contract, passport, qualifications, and supporting documents should all match clearly.
After biometrics, remember that IRCC still needs to complete eligibility review, LMIA verification, medical review where required, background checks, and security screening. A lack of updates does not always mean something is wrong.
With a genuine job offer, accurate documentation, and prompt responses to IRCC requests, you give yourself a stronger chance of receiving approval and starting your new job in Canada.
