--- title: "Act Now: Canada Widens Low-Wage LMIA Ban Across 26 CMAs" description: Canada expands the low-wage LMIA ban to 26 regions. Learn which CMAs are ineligible, who is affected, and discover legal options for foreign workers. image: https://askaia.ca/hubfs/blog/act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas.png --- [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) - English - [Français](https://askaia.ca/fr/blogue/agissez-vite-le-canada-elargit-l-interdiction-lmia-a-26-rmr) [Log In](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Book a Demo Book a Demo Book a Demo - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) [Login](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Visa Questions?Ask Aïa Book a Demo # Act Now: Canada Widens Low-Wage LMIA Ban Across 26 CMAs [![Laurent Maisonnave](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-01-Portrait%20Laurent-mini.jpg?width=40&height=40&name=2024-01-Portrait%20Laurent-mini.jpg)](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/laurent-maisonnave) by [Laurent Maisonnave Co-Founder, AskAïa Laurent Maisonnave combines HR expertise with AI to streamline global mobility and compliance, creating practical tools that support both people and organizations.](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/laurent-maisonnave) 3 min read 7/15/25, 12:00 PM ![Canada expands the low-wage LMIA ban to 26 regions. Learn which CMAs are ineligible, who is affected, and discover legal options for foreign workers.](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas-.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=act-now-canada-widens-low-wage-lmia-ban-across-26-cmas-.jpg) Act Now: Canada Widens Low-Wage LMIA Ban Across 26 CMAs 4:55 #### At a Glance - Effective July 11, 2025, low-wage LMIA applications are banned in 26 urban regions, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. - High-wage, agricultural, and caregiving jobs are exempt, and applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed. - Employers and workers must explore alternative pathways, such as high-wage streams, Provincial Nominee Programs, or LMIA-exempt options. 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. [![Check Your Fastest Path to PR](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/c1ff9017-3710-47a4-9100-5d49e38a86db.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/c1ff9017-3710-47a4-9100-5d49e38a86db)   ## 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.](https://askaia.ca/blog/lmia-streams-2025-pick-high-wage-low-wage-or-gts-fast?hsLang=en) ### 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.](https://www.cicnews.com/2025/07/the-number-of-regions-in-canada-where-low-wage-lmias-wont-be-processed-has-increased-as-of-july-11-0757455.html) ## 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](https://askaia.ca/blog/explore-lmia-exempt-canadian-work-permits-for-2025-who-qualifies?hsLang=en)(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: - [Canada.ca – Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-temporary-foreign.html) - [IRCC – Work Permits](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit/apply.html) Explore your options: If you are unsure which immigration path suits your profile, [take a free assessment with AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/en/assessment?hsLang=en) to receive clear guidance on available alternatives. [![Find Out if You are Eligible for PR in Canada](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/c796a3a5-512d-47ae-90ba-0f28fdc39b21.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/c796a3a5-512d-47ae-90ba-0f28fdc39b21)   Topics: [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) [LMIA](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/lmia) ![askaia-dahsboard-01](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/askaia-dahsboard-01.png?width=1746&height=959&name=askaia-dahsboard-01.png) #### Let’s get your demo started Book a demo Let’s get your demo started ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [LMIA 101: What Canada Expects Before You Hire a Foreign Worker](https://askaia.ca/blog/lmia-101-what-canada-expects-before-you-hire-a-foreign-worker?hsLang=en) ![do-you-really-need-an-lmia-employer-options-for-hiring-foreign-talent- (1)](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/do-you-really-need-an-lmia-employer-options-for-hiring-foreign-talent-%20(1).jpg?width=1200&height=1000&name=do-you-really-need-an-lmia-employer-options-for-hiring-foreign-talent-%20(1).jpg) [LMIA](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/lmia) ### LMIA 101: What Canada Expects Before You Hire a Foreign Worker If your Canadian company is hiring foreign workers, you may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). But do you know when, and why? For HR teams … 5/30/25, 5:35 PM 3 min read [Explore LMIA-Exempt Canadian Work Permits for 2025: Who Qualifies?](https://askaia.ca/blog/explore-lmia-exempt-canadian-work-permits-for-2025-who-qualifies?hsLang=en) ![explore-lmia-exempt-canadian-work-permits-for-2025-who-qualifies-](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/explore-lmia-exempt-canadian-work-permits-for-2025-who-qualifies-.jpg?width=1200&height=1000&name=explore-lmia-exempt-canadian-work-permits-for-2025-who-qualifies-.jpg) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Explore LMIA-Exempt Canadian Work Permits for 2025: Who Qualifies? Canada's complex work permit system often deters both skilled workers and employers. The standard route, through the Labour Market Impact Assessment ( … 6/18/25, 11:00 AM 3 min read [Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs](https://askaia.ca/blog/quebec-expands-lmia-suspension-impacting-low-wage-jobs?hsLang=en) ![Quebec tightens LMIA rules, extending low-wage job restrictions in Montreal and Laval. Learn how this impacts workers and employers. ](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/Quebec-Expands-LMIA-Suspension-Impacting-Low-Wage-Jobs.jpeg) [Quebec Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/quebec-immigration) ### Quebec Expands LMIA Suspension, Impacting Low-Wage Jobs Quebec is tightening restrictions on low-wage foreign labor. The government has extended its suspension of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments ( … 3/1/25, 10:08 AM 2 min read ![askaia\_logo-1](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg)   [Join us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/askaia-ca/) HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services?hsLang=en) Resources - [Compliance & Talent Blog](https://askaia.ca/blog) - [QEP FAQ](https://askaia.ca/en/en/faq-quebec-experience-program-qep?hsLang=en) [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us?hsLang=en) - [About AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/blog/about-askaia?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://askaia.ca/pa/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Disclaimer](https://admis.ca/disclaimer) - [Terms of Service](https://admis.ca/en/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://admis.ca/en/privacy-policy) © 2026 ASKAÏA - All rights reserved. Powered by Admis Technologies Inc. - 5255 Avenue Decelles, Suite 5.200, Montreal, QC H3T 2B1   AskAïa is an AI-powered platform built to simplify and automate global mobility and immigration compliance for employers and international talent. Our user-friendly solution helps organizations manage work permits, renewals, and HR compliance with up-to-date insights based on current Canadian immigration rules. While AskAïa provides information and automated guidance through AI, it does not replace professional legal advice. For case-specific questions or complex immigration matters, consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant. 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