LMIA Processing Resumes in Eight Regions: Low-Wage Eligible Cities (2026 Update)

LMIA Low Wage Processing Update: Eight Eligible Canadian Regions for Q1 of 2026

Canada has resumed processing low‑wage LMIA applications in several regions starting January 9, 2026. This change follows recent unemployment data showing that many cities now have rates below the federal 6 % unemployment threshold required for processing eligibility. 

Eligible Regions for Low-Wage LMIA Processing

Employers in the following metropolitan areas can once again apply for low‑wage LMIAs:

• 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

These regions were previously excluded because their unemployment rates were above 6 %. Now that they’ve dipped below the threshold, they’re back on the list for low‑wage LMIA processing beginning Q1 2026.

Cities Where Low-Wage LMIA Processing Is Open

Based on the latest unemployment data, low-wage LMIA applications are currently accepted in the following cities (all below the 6% threshold):

Quebec

• Québec City – 2.9%
• Trois-Rivières – 3.9%
• Saguenay – 4.3%
• Sherbrooke – 4.8%
• Drummondville – 5.6%
• Montréal – 5.6%

British Columbia

• Victoria – 3.7%
• Vancouver – 5.9%

Ontario

• Thunder Bay – 4.2%
• Peterborough – 5.3%
• Kingston – 5.6%

Atlantic Canada

• Halifax – 5.2%
• Moncton – 5.5%
• Fredericton – 5.2%

Prairie Provinces

• Winnipeg – 5.7%
• Saskatoon – 5.8%

All listed cities currently fall below the 6% unemployment threshold, making them eligible for low-wage LMIA processing during this period.

How Long Will LMIA Processing Remain Open?

LMIA eligibility is reviewed quarterly based on updated unemployment data.

• Current eligibility period: January to April 2026
• Next review: April 10, 2026

If unemployment rises above the threshold again, LMIA processing may be paused in affected regions. Employers and workers are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

What Caused the Low‑Wage LMIA Freeze?

Since late September 2024, the Government of Canada paused low‑wage LMIA processing in many census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where unemployment was 6 % or higher. The policy aimed to prioritize hiring Canadian citizens and permanent residents when local labour markets had enough available workers.

Policy Highlights from 2024–2025:

• Low‑wage LMIA applications were refused in CMAs with unemployment ≥ 6 %.
• Certain job categories remained exempt, such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, and food processing.
• Employer caps introduced (e.g., maximum of 10 % of workforce via TFWP).
• Duration of work permits under the low‑wage stream reduced to one year (from two years).

These reforms are part of a broader effort to align the TFWP with current labour market conditions and protect domestic employment. 

Who Benefits From This LMIA Update?

Employers

Employers in these regions can now:

• Submit new low-wage LMIA applications
• Support foreign worker hiring or work permit extensions
• Address critical labour shortages in sectors such as:
• Hospitality
• Food services
• Retail
• Manufacturing
• Caregiving

Foreign Workers

Foreign nationals with:

• A job offer in one of the eight regions
• An employer willing to apply for an LMIA

may now be eligible for:

• LMIA-based work permits
• Work permit extensions
• A potential pathway to permanent residence

Need Help With Your Low-Wage LMIA or Work Permit?

Navigating Canada’s low-wage LMIA rules and regional eligibility requirements can be confusing,especially with frequent policy updates and quarterly unemployment reviews. A small mistake can lead to delays, refusals, or lost job opportunities.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation With Foot Hills Immigration

Not sure if your job offer or city qualifies under the current LMIA rules? Get clarity before you apply. Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with Foot Hills Immigration to discuss your LMIA eligibility, work permit options, and next steps with an immigration professional.

Key Takeaways

Low-wage LMIA processing is back in 16 Canadian cities as of January 2026. Employers can now hire foreign workers in these regions while adhering to wage and recruitment requirements. Foreign workers targeting low-wage jobs should focus on eligible cities or explore alternative streams if their region is frozen.



Staying updated on regional unemployment rates and government announcements is critical for both employers and foreign workers navigating Canada’s low-wage LMIA landscape.