As of July 11, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has suspended the processing of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in 26 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. This measure will remain in effect until at least October 10, 2025.
List of Affected CMAs & Their Unemployment Rates:
| CMA | Province | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | NL | 7.2 |
| Halifax | NS | 6.2 |
| Moncton | NB | 6.4 |
| Saint John | NB | 7.4 |
| Fredericton | NB | 6.2 |
| Montréal | QC | 6.9 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau | ON/QC | 6.4 |
| Kingston | ON | 7.2 |
| Belleville–Quinte West | ON | 7.1 |
| Peterborough | ON | 9.9 |
| Oshawa | ON | 9.2 |
| Toronto | ON | 8.9 |
| Hamilton | ON | 6.6 |
| St. Catharines–Niagara | ON | 6.4 |
| Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo | ON | 6.9 |
| Brantford | ON | 6.8 |
| London | ON | 6.9 |
| Windsor | ON | 11.0 |
| Barrie | ON | 7.3 |
| Calgary | AB | 7.3 |
| Edmonton | AB | 7.6 |
| Kamloops | BC | 8.7 |
| Chilliwack | BC | 6.3 |
| Abbotsford–Mission | BC | 6.1 |
| Vancouver | BC | 6.3 |
| Nanaimo | BC | 7.3 |
CMAs Now Eligible Again (Unemployment Below 6%)
As of July 11, the following CMAs have regained eligibility for low-wage LMIA applications:
- Drummondville (QC)
- Guelph (ON)
- Kelowna (BC)
- Red Deer (AB)
Why the Suspension?
Under ESDC policy, low-wage LMIA applications are not processed in CMAs with unemployment rates ≥ 6% to safeguard job opportunities for Canadian residents.
ESDC reviews and updates this list quarterly — in January, April, July, and October. The next update is expected on October 10, 2025.
Important Clarifications:
- This restriction does not apply to high-wage LMIA applications (i.e., positions offering wages above the provincial median).
- Employers must use the high-wage stream if they offer wages above the low-wage threshold.
- Some sectors like agriculture or healthcare may be exempt from this restriction.
Implications for Employers in Restricted CMAs
- Cannot apply for or renew low-wage LMIA applications until the next review.
- Alternative options:
- Increase wages to qualify for high-wage stream.
- Relocate positions to CMAs or rural areas not under restriction.
- Explore LMIA-exempt work streams (e.g., agriculture, healthcare, intra-company transfers).
Implications for Foreign Workers
- May not be able to renew low-wage work permits tied to employers in restricted CMAs.
- Should consult employers about:
- Transitioning to high-wage LMIA
- Relocation to eligible areas
- Maintaining legal status by applying for a visitor record or maintained status
What Employers and Applicants Should Do Now
- Verify your CMA using a postal code search on the Statistics Canada website.
- Check your CMA’s status:
- If in a restricted area, assess options like wage adjustment, location change, or switching sectors.
- If in a reinstated CMA (Drummondville, Guelph, Kelowna, Red Deer), low-wage LMIA applications are now accepted.
- Stay informed—next policy update is scheduled for October 10, 2025.
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