🇨🇦 Six More Regions Added to Canada’s Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze (Effective October 10)

What’s Happening?

The Canadian federal government has expanded its low-wage LMIA processing freeze, adding six more regions across the country.

As of October 10, a total of 32 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) will no longer process low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) — up from 26 regions in the previous quarter (July 11 – October 9).

🧊 Which Regions Are Affected?

Starting October 10, the following regions are newly added to the freeze list and will not process low-wage LMIAs until January 8, 2026:

• Guelph, Ontario

• Greater Sudbury, Ontario

• Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Regina, Saskatchewan

• Lethbridge, Alberta

• Red Deer, Alberta

• Kelowna, British Columbia

✅ Meanwhile, Peterborough, Ontario has been removed from the list, meaning employers in that region can once again apply for low-wage LMIAs.

📈 Why the Freeze?

In August 2024, the federal government introduced a policy to stop processing low-wage LMIA applications in any CMA with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.

This measure aims to prioritize job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in areas with high unemployment.

Every quarter, the government releases an updated list of CMAs and their unemployment rates, so employers and foreign workers can check eligibility before applying.

📊 Full List of CMAs (Ineligible as of October 10)

Here are a few examples from the updated list:

CMA	Unemployment Rate
Toronto, ON	9.5%
Edmonton, AB	9.0%
Windsor, ON	11.3%
Kelowna, BC	6.0%
Vancouver, BC	6.8%
Nanaimo, BC	9.7%

A total of 32 regions are currently ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing.

The next update will be released on January 8, 2026.

💼 What Can Employers Do?

If your business is in a CMA with 6%+ unemployment, here are two main options:

1. Increase the offered wage 👉 Raise the position’s wage to meet or exceed the provincial or territorial median wage for that occupation and region. This reclassifies the position under the High-Wage Stream, allowing LMIA processing.

2. Wait for the next update 👉 The government revises the list every three months, so conditions may change depending on updated unemployment data.

🌍 What Can Foreign Workers Do?

If you’re seeking a job in Canada under the low-wage stream, focus on:

• Occupations exempt from the freeze, such as:

  • Agriculture 👩‍🌾

  • Construction 👷

  • Food manufacturing 🍞

  • Healthcare and nursing care 🏥

  • Short-term roles (under 120 days)

Or, look for opportunities in regions where low-wage LMIAs are still being processed.

If your work permit expires and cannot be extended due to the freeze, you must stop working — but you can apply to stay in Canada as a visitor.

🗺️ How to Check Your CMA

You can confirm whether your work location is within an affected CMA by:

1. Entering the postal code in the Census of Population Search.

2. Checking the “Census Metropolitan Area / Census Agglomeration” result:

   • If it shows a Census Agglomeration, ✅ still eligible.

   • If it shows a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) listed above, ❌ low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed for now.

🧭 Final Thoughts

This quarterly update highlights how Canada is continuing to tighten access to low-wage foreign worker positions, especially in areas facing higher unemployment.

Employers should plan strategically — either by adjusting wages, choosing exempt occupations, or targeting eligible regions — to improve LMIA approval chances.

If you want to start your journy to Canada, book a consultation now!

🇨🇦 Six More Regions Added to Canada’s Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze (Effective October 10)