If you’re an employer or a foreign worker who wants to know about the LMIA processing time in Ontario, you’re in luck. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is very important in Canada’s immigration and work permit regime, and knowing how long it takes, particularly in Ontario, can help you plan and keep away from unwanted delays.
This piece delves into up-to-date processing times, success rates, and various LMIA types, with a focus on what’s new in 2025.
As a tech worker applying under Global Talent Stream or an Ontario business owner looking to address labor shortages, this guide is written to offer all the necessary information in a concise and readable form.
How Long Does It Take to Process LMIA in Ontario?
One of the frequently asked questions is: How long does the Ontario LMIA process take? It varies on many factors such as the kind of LMIA stream, status of the application, and whether or not the given occupation has demand.
According to early 2025 updates, the overall LMIA Processing time in Ontario for an LMIA falls in the bracket of 4 to 10 weeks, which will vary as per the stream:
- Global Talent Stream (GTS): 10 business days
- High-Wage LMIA: 8 to 10 weeks
- Low-Wage LMIA: 10 to 12 weeks
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): 6 to 8 weeks
- Dual Intent LMIA (PR + Work Permit): 10 to 12 weeks
IRCC and ESDC are in the process of further digitizing and streamlining LMIA applications in 2025 with a goal of shortening these waiting times.
Tips to Speed Up the Process:
- Choose eligible occupations in-demand in Ontario
- Consult with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer
LMIA Processing Time in Ontario: What to Expect in 2025
Due to digitalization and shortage of workers, LMIA processing time in Ontario will increasingly get better step by step during 2025. Service Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have deployed new AI-powered systems to flag missing information sooner and lower the rejection rate.
In 2025, there will be even quicker processing for jobs in demand in tech, healthcare, and agriculture.
Ontario is also coordinating with the federal government to provide for labor demands at a faster rate, particularly under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and coordination with LMIA-exempt or supported streams.
Portals and mobile apps will also be highly involved. Workers and employers can now monitor the LMIA process in real time, receive document submission reminders, and chat directly with the case officers through integrated chat platforms.
What Is the Success Rate of LMIA Visa in Canada?
The Canadian LMIA approval rate differs by stream and category of work. As of 2025, the overall success rate at the national level is approximately 75%, whereas the success rate in Ontario is a bit higher at about 78% due to the high demand for skilled workers in the province and effective documentation by employers.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Global Talent Stream: More than 95%
- High-Wage LMIA: 80-85%
- Low-Wage LMIA: 65-70%
- Agricultural Programs: 85-90%
- Dual Intent LMIA: 75%
To increase the chances of LMIA approval:
- To bolster chances of approving the LMIA:
- Provide documentation of recruitment initiatives
- Provide offers of competitive wage rates and employment terms
- Satisfy due necessity for an external worker employment
- Utilize an experienced consultant as a representation of documentation
It also relies on regional requirements. Ontario’s fast-growing sectors and cities serve well in requesting hiring based on the LMIA.
Is It Difficult to Get LMIA?
Obtaining an LMIA is easy or tricky—it depends on the stream and the preparation of the application. In general, LMIA is not hard if the employer adheres to regulations, properly advertises the position, and demonstrates a genuine labor shortage.
The following are typical problems:
- Incomplete or inaccurate documents
- Insufficient advertising for Canadian applicants
- Payment of wages that are less than the median wage for the job
- Applying in the wrong stream
All that being said, LMIA in Ontario is more streamlined as a result of the province’s high labor demand and digitalization in application systems. Employers are also now able to pre-qualify themselves through an online questionnaire prior to applying, which saves time.
LMIA Processing Time 2025
As Canada continues to modernize its immigration systems, LMIA processing time in 2025 is seeing an important evolution:
- Priority for certain occupations: In-demand occupations in health, IT, and agriculture are processed within 10 business days under GTS.
- Pilot programs for rural Ontario: These aim to process LMIAs in under 6 weeks to support smaller communities.
Here are some predicted LMIA timelines in 2025:
| LMIA Type | Estimated Processing Time |
| Global Talent Stream | 10 business days |
| High-Wage Stream | 8–10 weeks |
| Low-Wage Stream | 10–12 weeks |
| Agricultural Stream | 6–8 weeks |
| Dual Intent LMIA | 10–12 weeks |
Dual Intent LMIA Processing Time
A dual purpose LMIA provides for both temporary foreign work permits and permanent residency (PR) purposes. These claims receive more in-depth examination because they consider long-term immigration results.
As of 2025, dual intent LMIA processing in Ontario takes about 10 to 12 weeks. This is somewhat longer than other LMIAs because:
- The offer of employment must satisfy both work permit and PR eligibility criteria
- More paperwork is needed (e.g., employer’s PR support letter)
- Sometimes tied to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams
Nevertheless, this form of LMIA is extremely beneficial for foreign workers seeking a route to permanent residence in Canada. And in Ontario, technology and healthcare industries are increasingly using this pathway to recruit skilled workers.
LMIA Work Permit Processing Time
Once the LMIA is approved, the follow-up process is getting a work permit. So how long does LMIA work permit processing take?
Here’s what you need to know in 2025:
- Inside Canada: 2–4 weeks
- Outside Canada (e.g., India, Philippines): 6–10 weeks
- Global Talent Stream: Usually within 2 weeks
- Dual intent LMIA + PR: May take longer due to additional paperwork
Total end-to-end processing time (LMIA + work permit) may be 12 to 18 weeks, depending on the location of the worker. Ontario remains one of the quickest provinces to process LMIA-based work permit applications, thanks to improved infrastructure and employer readiness.
Tip: Employers and employees can now monitor work permit status through IRCC’s new mobile-friendly online tracking tool.
Final Thoughts: LMIA in Ontario is Becoming Faster and Smarter
The LMIA processing time in Ontario is improving steadily in 2025, thanks to digital tools, priority processing for in-demand roles, and better employer awareness. Whether you’re applying for a dual intent LMIA, going through the Global Talent Stream, or waiting on a work permit, Ontario remains one of the best provinces in Canada for faster processing and higher success rates.
With fresh apps, streamlined paperwork, and forward-thinking employer recruitment, both Canadian companies and foreign workers alike can expect an improved LMIA experience in 2025 and beyond.
