LMIA processing times rise for low-wage and high-wage streams in July | ImmigraCan

LMIA processing times rise for low-wage and high-wage streams in July

On 2026-07-09, the Canadian immigration landscape saw a relevant update for Brazilians planning or already in process with IRCC. The information comes from CIC News (original source), a network specialized in Canadian immigration.

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is the authorization that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) grants to a Canadian employer before it can hire a foreign worker. For Brazilians who want a job in Canada without going through Express Entry or a PNP, understanding LMIA is essential.

How LMIA fits into your strategy

There are two main streams:

• High-wage LMIA — for positions above the province's median wage (easier to approve)
• Low-wage LMIA — for positions below the median (more restrictive, with regional quotas)

An approved LMIA allows the employer to offer a closed work permit (tied to that specific employer) and, depending on the NOC, that position also grants 50 or 200 extra CRS points.

Impact for Brazilians

If you already have a job offer in Canada:

1. Confirm with the employer that they've obtained the LMIA — many employers promise sponsorship without knowing the process
2. Check the NOC of the position — TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 earn points in Express Entry; TEER 4 and 5 only allow a work permit
3. Prepare to pay the LMIA fee (CAD 1,000) — normally the employer pays, but negotiate this upfront
4. Realistic timeline: LMIA + work permit for a Brazilian takes 4 to 9 months in total

Alternatives if LMIA isn't viable

Not every position needs an LMIA. Consider:

• CUSMA/USMCA: doesn't apply to Brazilians, but if you also hold Mexican citizenship, it may work
• IEC (International Experience Canada): Brazilians aged 18–35 can apply through the agreement
• PGWP: if you studied in Canada, you get an open work permit after graduation
• PNP with a job offer: some PNPs accept a job offer without an LMIA (Ontario Employer Job Offer, for example)

To understand which path is yours, take the free quiz or explore all the programs.

The current state of the TFWP

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) — of which LMIA is part — went through several changes in 2024 and 2025, with the government tightening rules for the low-wage stream due to concerns about exploitation and the effect on the local labor market. In 2026, the pendulum has been swinging back toward balance: some restrictions were eased in regions with low unemployment (like Halifax and Winnipeg), while overall enforcement increased.

Conclusion

IRCC policy changes affect Brazilians differently depending on profile, application timing, and current status. This is just a snapshot of a 2026-07-09 update — for the full picture of your case, take ImmigraCan's free eligibility quiz.

---

*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm official data at canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or specialized lawyer. Source: CIC News.*