If you’re planning to hire foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or you’re an applicant seeking low-wage job opportunities in Canada, there’s a crucial update you need to know.
As of April 4, 2025, the Government of Canada has officially released its updated list of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments LMIA will not be processed. This policy change directly affects both Canadian employers and foreign nationals looking to work in certain regions across the country.
Let’s break down what this means for your work permit, job application, or hiring strategy.
🔍 What Is a Low-Wage LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that employers in Canada must obtain before hiring most temporary foreign workers. It’s used to prove there is a genuine need for a foreign employee, and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
LMIAs are divided into two categories:
- Low-Wage LMIA: For roles that pay below the median hourly wage in the province or territory.
- High-Wage LMIA: For positions that pay at or above the median wage.
This update specifically targets the low-wage stream, which includes jobs like food service, caregiving, hospitality, and general labor.
📉 Why Are Low-Wage LMIA Applications Being Paused in Certain Areas?
Since August 2024, the federal government has implemented a rule that low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed in CMAs with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. This is part of Canada’s ongoing effort to prioritize job opportunities for local workers in regions facing economic challenges.
As a result, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is releasing quarterly updates listing the CMAs that are currently ineligible.
👉 Latest list effective from April 4 to July 10, 2025.
📍 List of CMAs Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Processing (April 4 – July 10, 2025)
Here are the 24 CMAs across Canada where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed during this quarter:
| CMA (City/Region) | Province | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | NL | 7.6% |
| Saint John | NB | 7.7% |
| Fredericton | NB | 6.9% |
| Drummondville | QC | 8.0% |
| Montréal | QC | 6.7% |
| Kingston | ON | 7.2% |
| Peterborough | ON | 9.9% |
| Oshawa | ON | 8.0% |
| Toronto | ON | 8.6% |
| Hamilton | ON | 7.3% |
| St. Catharines–Niagara | ON | 7.7% |
| Kitchener–Waterloo | ON | 8.5% |
| Brantford | ON | 7.2% |
| Guelph | ON | 6.2% |
| Windsor | ON | 9.3% |
| Barrie | ON | 7.5% |
| Calgary | AB | 7.8% |
| Red Deer | AB | 8.4% |
| Edmonton | AB | 7.3% |
| Kelowna | BC | 6.7% |
| Kamloops | BC | 7.1% |
| Abbotsford–Mission | BC | 6.2% |
| Vancouver | BC | 6.6% |
| Nanaimo | BC | 6.0% |
These cities are temporarily off-limits for low-wage LMIA processing due to their current unemployment rates. The government updates this list every three months — the next update is scheduled for July 11, 2025.
✅ Which Regions Were Removed This Quarter?
Some areas improved their employment statistics and are now eligible again for low-wage LMIA applications:
- Regina, Saskatchewan – 5.9%
- London, Ontario – 5.5%
If you’re an employer in these cities, you can now submit low-wage LMIA applications again.
❓ How to Check If Your Job Location Falls in a CMA
Not sure if your work location is part of a listed CMA? Here’s how to check:
- Use the Census of Population search tool from Statistics Canada.
- Enter the full postal code of the work location.
- In the Geography search results, check for:
- Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) – May be ineligible.
- Census Agglomeration (CA) – Still eligible.
- Not listed – Still eligible.
If your location falls within one of the ineligible CMAs above, your low-wage LMIA will not be processed for the current quarter.
Also Read: Canada Removes Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment in Express Entry: What You Need to Know
🔄 Options If You’re Affected by the LMIA Pause
For Employers:
- Upgrade to High-Wage Stream: Raise the position’s wage to meet or exceed the provincial median. This makes the role eligible for high-wage LMIA processing.
- Wait for Next Quarter: Unemployment rates may drop in the next update.
- Hire in Eligible Regions: Target recruitment efforts in CMAs where low-wage LMIAs are still being accepted.
For Foreign Workers:
- Ask for High-Wage Option: Talk to your employer about upgrading the wage.
- Pause and Monitor: Wait for a few months to see if your region is removed from the ineligible list.
- Search Strategically: Focus on job offers from eligible CMAs.
For Current TFWP Permit Holders:
- If your work permit expires and cannot be renewed due to this LMIA restriction:
- You must stop working.
- You may apply for a visitor record to remain legally in Canada without working.
🧭 What is a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)?
A CMA is a cluster of one or more municipalities around a central urban core, having:
- A total population of at least 100,000, with at least 50,000 in the core.
- Even if the population later drops, the area retains CMA status.
This classification is important when determining LMIA eligibility under current federal rules.
🗓 Stay Updated with Mansory Immigration Consultants
At Mansory Immigration Consultants, we stay on top of every policy change to ensure your Canadian immigration journey is smooth and compliant. Whether you’re an employer or a foreign worker, our experts are here to guide you through LMIA strategies, work permit applications, and regulatory updates.
🔔 Schedule your FREE consultation today and let’s talk strategy!
📌 Key Takeaways
- 24 CMAs are ineligible for low-wage LMIAs from April 4 to July 10, 2025.
- Eligibility is based on unemployment rates exceeding 6%.
- High-wage LMIA applications are still being processed across Canada.
- Check CMA status via postal code to verify eligibility.
- Policy updates occur quarterly — next one: July 11, 2025.
