LMIAs in Low-Wage Stream – Latest Unemployment Rates in Metropolitan Areas
Hello World! As we shared on this blog last year, starting September 26, 2024, significant restrictions have been imposed on LMIA applications under the Low-Wage Stream.
In Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher, LMIA applications can no longer be submitted. In this update, we’ll share the latest unemployment rate data.
What is LMIA?
When a Canadian employer hires a foreign worker, they may be required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is intended to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the job opportunities for Canadians. Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Work Permits cannot be issued without positive LMIAs.
Restrictions for LMIA in Low-Wage Stream
Effective September 26, 2024, the Canadian government strictly limited on LMIA applications in Low-Wage Stream. This comes from concerns such as rising inflation and housing issues due to an excessive foreign worker increase. As part of its policy, the Canadian government is now limiting foreign worker employment.
One key restriction is that in CMAs where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher, LMIA applications under the Low-Wage Stream are no longer processed. The Low-Wage Stream applies when the offered hourly wage is below the median wage for that province or territory.
When Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) raised the median wages on June 25, 2025, a note was added on the IRCC website indicating continued monitoring of median wages to LMIA applications.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2025-wage-review-tfwp-alert-update.html
Latest Unemployment Rates for CMAs
The unemployment rates are updated quarterly. The most recent data was released on July 11, 2025, and applies to LMIA applications submitted between July 11, 2025, and October 9, 2025. During this period, in regions where unemployment rate is 6% or higher, employers cannot hire foreign workers under the Low-Wage Stream. Additionally, foreign workers already working under the TFWP in those areas will not be able to renew their Work Permits.
In this update, 26 regions are listed, up from 24 regions in the previous period (April 4–July 10, 2025), showing a mix of areas where unemployment has remained high and others where it has improved.
Newly Ineligible Regions for LMIA Applications
| Census Metropolitan Area | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/1/10-4/3) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/4/4-7/10) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/7/11-10/9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax | 4.6 | 4.8 | 6.2 |
| Moncton | 5.4 | 5.4 | 6.4 |
Newly Eligible Regions for LMIA Applications
| Census Metropolitan Area | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/1/10-4/3) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/4/4-7/10) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/7/11-10/9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelowna | 5.3 | 6.7 | 5 |
| Guelph | 6.2 | 6.2 | 5.9 |
| Red Deer | N/A* | 8.4 | 5.6 |
Key Regions
| Census Metropolitan Area | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/1/10-4/3) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/4/4-7/10) | Unemployment Rate(%) (2025/7/11-10/9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| Toronto | 7.9 | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Calgary | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Vancouver | 5.9 | 6.6 | 6.3 |
For full details of the announcement and a complete list of affected regions, please check the link below.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/refusal.html#h2.2.3
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Applying for LMIAs is a major challenge for both Canadian employers and foreign workers. If you’re considering applying for LMIAs in a metropolitan area, it’s essential to carefully consider application timing and location based on the latest data.
Immigration laws and policies will continue to change frequently, so if you need advice or support with LMIA applications, feel free to contact us from here.
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