By Sanjay Prasher (SP), M.B.A, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC #R514499)
If you’re an employer or temporary foreign worker relying on the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), there’s an important update you need to know.
As of April 4, 2025, Canada has suspended low-wage LMIA processing in 24 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where unemployment is 6% or higher. This ban will last until July 10, 2025, after which the government will reassess unemployment rates.
Employers in these regions cannot hire new foreign workers under the low-wage TFWP stream.
Existing TFWP workers in these cities cannot renew their work permits if their job falls under the low-wage category.
Workers who lose status must stop working immediately—though they may apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada legally.
This policy is part of Canada’s effort to prioritize local hiring in high-unemployment regions while still allowing foreign workers in areas with labor shortages.
Here are the 24 CMAs where low-wage LMIA applications will NOT be processed until at least July 2025:
| City & Province | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| St. John's, NL | 7.6% |
| Saint John, NB | 7.7% |
| Fredericton, NB | 6.9% |
| Drummondville, QC | 8.0% |
| Montréal, QC | 6.7% |
| Kingston, ON | 7.2% |
| Peterborough, ON | 9.9% |
| Oshawa, ON | 8.0% |
| Toronto, ON | 8.6% |
| Hamilton, ON | 7.3% |
| St. Catharines-Niagara, ON | 7.7% |
| Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, ON | 8.5% |
| Brantford, ON | 7.2% |
| Guelph, ON | 6.2% |
| Windsor, ON | 9.3% |
| Barrie, ON | 7.5% |
| Calgary, AB | 7.8% |
| Red Deer, AB | 8.4% |
| Edmonton, AB | 7.3% |
| Kelowna, BC | 6.7% |
| Kamloops, BC | 7.1% |
| Abbotsford-Mission, BC | 6.2% |
| Vancouver, BC | 6.6% |
| Nanaimo, BC | 6.0% |
Note: The list is updated every 3 months—next update expected July 11, 2025.
Some cities that were restricted in Q1 2025 (Jan-Apr) are now open for low-wage LMIA processing:
If you’re in these cities, you can now apply for low-wage LMIAs again.
Increase the Wage to High-Wage Stream
If the employer can raise the wage to meet high-wage LMIA requirements, the application can proceed.
Wait for the Next Quarterly Update (July 11, 2025)
Unemployment rates change—check if your city’s status improves.
Hire from Non-Restricted CMAs
Focus recruitment in cities where low-wage LMIAs are still accepted.
Check if your employer can switch to a high-wage LMIA.
If your work permit expires, stop working immediately.
Apply for a visitor record if you wish to stay in Canada.
Explore other immigration pathways (e.g., Express Entry, PNP).
Enter the work location’s postal code in the Census of Population Search.
Look for "Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)" in the results.
If it matches a restricted city, your LMIA won’t be processed.
If it says "Census Agglomeration" or no CMA, your application is still eligible.
A Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is a major urban region with:
✔ 100,000+ total population
✔ 50,000+ in the core city
Even if a CMA’s population later drops below these thresholds, it keeps its CMA status.
Navigating the LMIA Restrictions
This policy aims to balance foreign worker demand with local job availability. If you’re impacted:
Need Help?
Call CTIV Immigration at +1 416-857-0100
Email: info@ctivci.ca
We help employers and workers navigate LMIA and work permit challenges—book a free consultation today!
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Sources: Government of Canada, IRCC, Statistics Canada.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules change frequently. Always consult an RCIC for personalized advice.
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