Canada has significantly expanded its restrictions on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), which are vital permits for employers hiring foreign workers in lower-paid roles. As of July 11, 2025, 26 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) are now ineligible for new low-wage LMIA applications.
This change affects thousands of prospective workers and employers across the country. Understanding exactly which regions are impacted and which options remain open is critical to avoid costly mistakes and immigration delays.
Context – The Low-Wage LMIA Ban and Its Evolution
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document proving that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s labour market. The low-wage stream applies to jobs paying below the median provincial wage.
Median Wage Thresholds (2024–2025):
| Province/Territory | Median Hourly Wage (CAD) |
| British Columbia | $27.50 |
| Alberta | $28.85 |
| Ontario | $27.00 |
| Quebec | $26.00 |
| Manitoba | $25.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $23.00 |
Source: Government of Canada, 2025
Policy Timeline:
- Pre-2024: Restrictions limited to major urban centres.
- April 2024: Expanded to 24 CMAs.
- July 11, 2025: Further increased to 26 CMAs, with smaller cities added.
Complete List of Ineligible Regions
26 CMAs Where Low-Wage LMIA Applications Are No Longer Processed
| # | Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) | Unemployment Rate (%) |
| 1 | St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador | 7.2 |
| 2 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | 6.2 |
| 3 | Moncton, New Brunswick | 6.4 |
| 4 | Saint John, New Brunswick | 7.4 |
| 5 | Fredericton, New Brunswick | 6.2 |
| 6 | Montréal, Quebec | 6.9 |
| 7 | Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec | 6.4 |
| 8 | Kingston, Ontario | 7.2 |
| 9 | Belleville - Quinte West, Ontario | 7.1 |
| 10 | Peterborough, Ontario | 9.9 |
| 11 | Oshawa, Ontario | 9.2 |
| 12 | Toronto, Ontario | 8.9 |
| 13 | Hamilton, Ontario | 6.6 |
| 14 | St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario | 6.4 |
| 15 | Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario | 6.9 |
| 16 | Brantford, Ontario | 6.8 |
| 17 | London, Ontario | 6.9 |
| 18 | Windsor, Ontario | 11.0 |
| 19 | Barrie, Ontario | 7.3 |
| 20 | Calgary, Alberta | 7.3 |
| 21 | Edmonton, Alberta | 7.6 |
| 22 | Kamloops, British Columbia | 8.7 |
| 23 | Chilliwack, British Columbia | 6.3 |
| 24 | Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia | 6.1 |
| 25 | Vancouver, British Columbia | 6.3 |
| 26 | Nanaimo, British Columbia | 7.3 |
Why the Policy Changed – Labour Market Indicators
According to the Government of Canada, the policy is based on persistently low unemployment rates across these urban centres. Authorities believe employers should prioritize recruiting Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Key National Indicators (2025):
- National unemployment rate: 5.1%
- Job vacancy rate in hospitality: 8.3%
- Proportion of low-wage TFW positions: 18% of all TFW permits
Sources: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2025
Who Is Impacted?
You are impacted if:
- Your employer is located in one of the 26 CMAs above.
- Your job offer is below your province’s median hourly wage.
- Your LMIA application was submitted on or after July 11, 2025.
You are not impacted if:
- Your LMIA is for a high-wage position.
- Your occupation is LMIA-exempt (e.g., agriculture, caregiving).
Practical Example
Example Scenario:
Ahmed, an employer in Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, offers a food service job paying $18/hour. The median wage in Ontario is $27.00. Because the CMA is now ineligible for low-wage LMIAs, Ahmed cannot submit an application. Ahmed must:
- Raise the wage above the median threshold.
- Hire a Canadian or permanent resident.
- Seek an exempt category (e.g., agriculture).
Options and Recommendations
Employers should:
- Review all job offers. If wages are below the median, consider adjustments.
- Check your CMA carefully. Even smaller cities are affected.
- Explore Provincial Nominee Programs if available in your province.
Workers should:
- Request clear confirmation from your employer about location eligibility.
- Consider other regions where low-wage LMIA applications are still accepted.
- Consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) to explore alternatives.
Resources and Next Steps
Review official resources:
Explore your options:
If you are unsure which immigration path suits your profile, take a free assessment with AskAïa to receive clear guidance on available alternatives.
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