Low-Wage LMIA Restrictions Expand: Latest October 2025 Update
Low-Wage LMIA Applications Halted in More Canadian Cities as of October 2025
If you’re an employer or foreign worker involved with Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), there’s some important news you need to know. As of October 10, 2025, the federal government has updated its quarterly list of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will not be processed. This change could impact where foreign workers can be hired and where job seekers should focus their applications.
Let’s walk through what’s changed, why it matters, and what you can do if you’re affected.
Key Highlights
- 32 CMAs across Canada are now ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing, up from 26 last quarter.
- New cities added to the ineligible list include Winnipeg, Guelph, and Regina.
- Peterborough, Ontario, has been removed from the ineligible list and can now process low-wage LMIAs.
- The ineligibility is based on a regional unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
- Employers can still apply under the high-wage stream or focus on LMIA-exempt occupations.
- The next list update is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Why Are Low-Wage LMIAs Being Restricted?
Back in August 2024, the Canadian government announced that low-wage LMIA applications would no longer be processed in CMAs with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. The move is part of an effort to prioritize job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents in regions experiencing higher unemployment.
Since then, the government has been releasing updated lists on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in regional unemployment rates. This ensures that employers and foreign workers have the most current information when planning job placements and applications.
What’s New This Quarter (Starting October 10, 2025)?
This quarterly update now includes 32 CMAs where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed. That’s an increase from 26 CMAs in the previous quarter (July 11 to October 9).
Newly Ineligible CMAs
The following CMAs have been added to the ineligible list for the period of October 10, 2025, to January 8, 2026:
- Guelph, Ontario
- Greater Sudbury, Ontario
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Regina, Saskatchewan
- Lethbridge, Alberta
- Red Deer, Alberta
- Kelowna, British Columbia
CMAs Removed from the Ineligible List
Only one city has been removed from the ineligible list this quarter:
- Peterborough, Ontario
This means that employers in Peterborough can now submit low-wage LMIA applications under the TFWP again.
Complete List of Ineligible CMAs
Here’s the full list of Census Metropolitan Areas where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed until at least January 8, 2026:
| Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| St. John’s, NL | 6.8 |
| Halifax, NS | 6.1 |
| Moncton, NB | 7.3 |
| Saint John, NB | 7.3 |
| Fredericton, NB | 6.7 |
| Montréal, QC | 6.7 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC | 7.7 |
| Kingston, ON | 6.6 |
| Belleville – Quinte West, ON | 6.6 |
| Oshawa, ON | 9.5 |
| Toronto, ON | 9.5 |
| Hamilton, ON | 7.6 |
| St. Catharines-Niagara, ON | 7.0 |
| Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, ON | 7.4 |
| Brantford, ON | 9.4 |
| Guelph, ON | 9.2 |
| London, ON | 7.0 |
| Windsor, ON | 11.3 |
| Barrie, ON | 7.5 |
| Greater Sudbury, ON | 7.0 |
| Winnipeg, MB | 7.3 |
| Regina, SK | 6.8 |
| Lethbridge, AB | 8.5 |
| Calgary, AB | 8.0 |
| Red Deer, AB | 8.7 |
| Edmonton, AB | 9.0 |
| Kelowna, BC | 6.0 |
| Kamloops, BC | 8.6 |
| Chilliwack, BC | 7.8 |
| Abbotsford-Mission, BC | 8.1 |
| Vancouver, BC | 6.8 |
| Nanaimo, BC | 9.7 |
What Are Your Options If You’re Affected?
For Employers
If you’re planning to hire a foreign worker in a CMA with a 6% or higher unemployment rate, you still have a couple of options:
- Switch to the high-wage stream: Offer a wage that meets or exceeds the median hourly wage for the region. This allows you to apply under the high-wage stream of the TFWP, which is not affected by these restrictions.
- Wait for the next update: The list is reviewed every three months. If unemployment rates drop in your region, it could become eligible again in the next cycle.
For Foreign Workers
If you’re looking for a job in Canada under the low-wage stream, here’s what you can do:
- Target eligible CMAs: Focus your job search on regions where low-wage LMIAs are still being processed.
- Apply for exempt occupations: Some job types remain eligible regardless of CMA status, such as:
- Primary agriculture
- Construction roles
- Food manufacturing
- Hospital jobs
- Nursing and residential care roles
- Specific in-home caregiver positions
- Jobs supporting permanent residency (not tied to a work permit)
- Short-term roles (under 120 days) that meet specific conditions
If your work permit is expiring and you’re unable to extend it due to these restrictions, you may want to apply for a visitor record to remain in Canada legally while you explore other options.
How to Check Your CMA
Not sure if your job or work location falls within a CMA on the ineligible list? Here’s how to find out:
