Canada Resumes Low-Wage LMIA in 8 Regions – Jan 2026 Update

Canada Resumes Low-Wage LMIA Processing in 8 More Regions Starting January 2026

If you’re an employer looking to hire foreign workers, or a candidate hoping to work in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), there’s some big news you’ll want to know about. Starting January 9, 2026, the Canadian federal government will once again begin processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in several regions where they had previously paused.

This change comes as unemployment rates in certain areas have dipped below 6%, making them eligible once again for low-wage LMIA applications. Cities like Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Kingston are now back on the list for processing — a welcome update for both employers and foreign nationals alike.

Key Highlights

• As of January 9, 2026, low-wage LMIA applications will resume in eight Canadian regions, including Vancouver and Winnipeg.
• Only regions with unemployment rates below 6% are eligible for low-wage LMIA processing.
• Employers in ineligible regions can still apply under the high-wage stream if wage thresholds are met.
• Certain sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and construction remain exempt from the freeze.
• A new list of eligible and ineligible regions is published quarterly — next update is due April 10, 2026.
• Foreign workers may need to adjust job searches or apply for visitor status if affected by the freeze.

Why Was Low-Wage LMIA Processing Frozen?

Back in August 2024, the federal government implemented new rules to temporarily stop processing low-wage stream LMIA applications in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher. The goal? To encourage employers to hire local, unemployed workers already living in those areas.

Since then, the government has been releasing quarterly updates showing which regions fall above or below that 6% mark. If you’re applying for a low-wage LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, staying on top of these updates is essential.

Which Regions Are Now Eligible Again?

Thanks to improved labour market conditions, the following cities saw their unemployment rates drop below the 6% threshold and are now eligible for low-wage LMIA processing effective January 9, 2026:

• Halifax, NS: 6.1% → 5.2%
• Moncton, NB: 7.3% → 5.5%
• Saint John, NB: 7.3% → 5.8%
• Fredericton, NB: 6.7% → 5.2%
• Montréal, QC: 6.7% → 5.5%
• Kingston, ON: 6.6% → 5.6%
• Winnipeg, MB: 7.3% → 5.7%
• Vancouver, BC: 6.8% → 5.9%

This is great news for employers and job seekers in these areas, as they can now pursue low-wage TFWP positions without needing to shift to the high-wage stream or wait for future updates.

Want to learn how this ties into provincial immigration programs? Check out our guide on the Manitoba PNP.

Which Regions Are Still Ineligible?

Even with the recent improvements, many census metropolitan areas (CMAs) still have unemployment rates above 6%, keeping them ineligible for low-wage LMIA applications. Here’s a quick look at a few of the regions still under the freeze:

These regions will remain ineligible until at least the next update on April 10, 2026.

What If My Job Offer Is in an Ineligible Region?

If your job offer is in a region with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, don’t panic. There are still a few paths forward for both employers and foreign workers.

For Employers

One option is to increase the wage being offered so that the position qualifies under the high-wage stream of the TFWP. Each province and territory has different wage thresholds:

If the offered wage meets or exceeds the provincial threshold, you’re good to go under the high-wage LMIA process.

Alternatively, employers can wait for the next update in case their region becomes eligible again in a few months.

For Foreign Workers

If you’re a foreign national hoping to work in Canada, here are a few strategies to consider:

• Look for job openings in industries that are exempt from the low-wage LMIA freeze, such as:
• Primary agriculture
• Construction
• Food manufacturing
• Hospitals and healthcare
• In-home caregiving roles
• Focus your job search on eligible CMAs where the freeze has been lifted.
• If your work permit expires and renewal isn’t possible, consider applying for a visitor record to remain in Canada lawfully.
• If you change employers, you might be able to start working with the new employer while your LMIA is processed, provided you meet certain requirements.

How Do I Know If My Job Offer Is in an Impacted Region?

Not sure whether your work location falls within an ineligible CMA? Here’s how to check:

1. Visit the Census of Population website.
2. Enter the full postal code for your job site.
3. Look for the “Census metropolitan area” or “Census agglomeration” in the search results.
4. If it’s a CMA and it’s listed in the ineligible regions, low-wage LMIA processing is paused for that area.
5. If it’s a Census agglomeration or not listed, you’re likely still eligible to apply.

Final Thoughts

With Canada’s immigration landscape always evolving, it’s important to stay informed about how policies like LMIA processing affect your hiring or job search. The resumption of low-wage LMIA applications in eight key regions is a promising move — especially for communities like Winnipeg and Vancouver that rely on foreign labour support.

If you’re not sure what your next steps should be, we’re here to help. Whether you’re an employer navigating wage thresholds or a worker exploring job options, understanding your eligibility is key to success.

Looking to apply for a work permit or explore your options under the TFWP? Contact us today for personalized guidance.