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🚫 Canada Suspends Low-Wage LMIA Processing in 24 Regions – April 2025 Update

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on April 14, 2025
Zee Overseas > Blog > Canadian immigration updates > 🚫 Canada Suspends Low-Wage LMIA Processing in 24 Regions – April 2025 Update

Are you planning to work in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?

📄 You’ll want to pay attention to the latest update on Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).

As of April 4, 2025, Canada has paused processing low-wage LMIA applications in 24 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.

❗ What Changed?

The Government of Canada reviews CMA unemployment rates quarterly. Since August 2024, it no longer processes low-wage LMIA applications in areas where the unemployment rate is 6% or more.

This is to ensure job opportunities are first offered to Canadians and permanent residents in high-unemployment areas.

🛑 CMAs Where Low-Wage LMIA Applications Are Suspended (April 4 – July 10, 2025)

Here are the 24 CMAs currently ineligible for low-wage LMIA applications:

📍 Region (CMA)📊 Unemployment Rate
St. John’s, NL7.6%
Saint John, NB7.7%
Fredericton, NB6.9%
Drummondville, QC8.0%
Montréal, QC6.7%
Kingston, ON7.2%
Peterborough, ON9.9%
Oshawa, ON8.0%
Toronto, ON8.6%
Hamilton, ON7.3%
St. Catharines–Niagara, ON7.7%
Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, ON8.5%
Brantford, ON7.2%
Guelph, ON6.2%
Windsor, ON9.3%
Barrie, ON7.5%
Calgary, AB7.8%
Red Deer, AB8.4%
Edmonton, AB7.3%
Kelowna, BC6.7%
Kamloops, BC7.1%
Abbotsford–Mission, BC6.2%
Vancouver, BC6.6%
Nanaimo, BC6.0%

✅ Good News: These Regions Are Now Eligible Again!

These cities were previously restricted, but with improved employment rates, they’re back on the LMIA approval list:

  • 🟢 Regina, Saskatchewan – 5.9%
  • 🟢 London, Ontario – 5.5%

🧭 How to Check If Your Job Is in a CMA

Follow these simple steps to check if your job is affected:

  1. Go to Census Geography Search
  2. Enter the job location’s full postal code
  3. Look for the “Census Metropolitan Area” result
  • If it shows CMA and is listed above → ❌ LMIA won’t be processed.
  • If it shows Census Agglomeration or not listed → ✅ You’re eligible.

💼 What You Can Do If You’re Affected

For Employers:

  • 💰 Increase the wage to qualify under the high-wage LMIA stream.
  • ⏳ Wait for the next update on July 11, 2025, if feasible.

For Job Seekers:

  • 🔄 Explore job opportunities in CMAs that are not listed.
  • 💬 Communicate with your employer regarding possible adjustments or delays.
  • 🛂 If your work permit cannot be extended, you must stop working. You may apply for a visitor record to remain legally in Canada.

ℹ️ What Is a CMA?

A Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is defined as:

  • A region with at least 100,000 residents, including 50,000+ in the urban core.
  • Once designated as a CMA, the status remains, even if the population drops.

📞 Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Navigating Canada’s immigration and work permit landscape can be complex. At Zee Overseas, we provide accurate, up-to-date information and strategic support tailored to your immigration goals.

For personalised advice regarding Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) applications, we recommend consulting an authorised immigration professional.

Stay informed. Stay prepared.

📚 Source

Government of Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker Program – LMIA Updates