Canadian Cities Where Low-Wage LMIA Applications Are Paused

In a significant move, the Government of Canada has once again released its quarterly update outlining where low-wage LMIA applications will no longer be processed. This change, affecting many employers and foreign workers, stems from an August 2024 policy change under the TFWP.

According to this policy, any Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher will not process LMIA applications under the low-wage stream. This measure is part of Canada immigration policies to prioritize local hiring in areas with higher joblessness.

CMAs that are Ineligible

The most recent list, valid from April 4 to July 10, 2025, names 24 CMAs where low-wage LMIAs are temporarily suspended. Without an LMIA, employers in these areas cannot legally hire foreign nationals under the TFWP low-wage category, nor can current low-wage foreign workers apply to renew their permits.

How to Check if Your Work Location Falls in a CMA?

The steps to check if your work location falls under CMA:

Step 1: Go to the Census of Population tool.

Step 2: Enter the postal code of your job location.

Step 3: Look under “Census Metropolitan Area / Census Agglomeration” in the results:

• If it says “Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)”, check the list above.
• If it says “Census Agglomeration” or doesn’t list a CMA, your application may still be eligible

CMAs Removed from the List This Quarter

Two regions have improved their employment rates and have been removed from the list:

• Regina, Saskatchewan – 5.9%
• London, Ontario – 5.5%

What Can Employers and Workers Do?

If you are impacted by these restrictions:

• Employers can consider increasing the job wage to qualify under the high-wage stream of the TFWP.
• Employees can ask if their employer can wait until the next quarterly update.
• Job seekers should focus on opportunities in CMAs where LMIAs are currently being processed.

If a worker’s permit cannot be renewed and expires, they must stop working immediately. However, they can apply for a visitor record to legally remain in Canada.

What is a CMA?

A Census Metropolitan Area includes one or more neighboring municipalities surrounding a core area with a population of at least 100,000. Once designated, an area remains a CMA even if its population dips below the threshold.

Conclusion

Canada LMIA rules can be challenging, especially with ongoing changes based on local unemployment rates. If you are an employer affected by the current ineligible CMA list, it is important to stay informed, explore options like the high-wage stream, and plan around the next quarterly update on July 11, 2025. 

Always verify your job location’s CMA status using official tools, and take timely steps to maintain compliance and legal status in Canada. Being proactive now can save time, money, and opportunities down the road.

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Tags: Temporary Foreign Worker Program Labour Market Impact Assessment Canada work permit LMIA application High-wage stream Low-wage LMIA Canada Immigration Canada Immigration News