Want to Hire Foreign Workers in 2025? These Cities Can Still Apply for Low-Wage LMIA!
- Kanwarjit Singh Lall (RCIC)
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
As of January 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) continues to enforce a refusal-to-process policy that affects employers applying for a Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in regions where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
The federal policy, updated as of September 26, 2024, aims to protect the Canadian labour market by restricting the hiring of foreign workers in low-wage positions in areas experiencing high unemployment (6% or more).
What does this Mean for Employers?If you’re an employer in a city or Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) where the unemployment rate is 6% or above, your LMIA application for a low-wage position will not be processed.
Cities Eligible for Low-Wage LMIA in 2025
Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) | Unemployment Rate (%) |
Victoria, BC | 3.1 |
Quebec, QC | 4.1 |
Sherbrooke, QC | 4.1 |
Saskatoon, SK | 4.3 |
Peterborough, ON | 4.5 |
Halifax. NS | 4.6 |
Greater Sudbury, ON | 4.7 |
Thunder Bay, ON | 4.9 |
Lethbridge, AB | 4.9 |
Kelowna, BC | 5.3 |
Abbotsford – Mission, BC | 5.4 |
Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC | 5.4 |
Moncton, NB | 5.4 |
Winnipeg, MB | 5.6 |
Kingston, ON | 5.7 |
Note: This list is based on the latest published unemployment rates and may be updated quarterly. Always verify your region’s current status before applying.
What is Considered a Low-Wage Position?
A Low-wage position is the one where the offered wage is below the provincial/ territorial median hourly wage.
These roles are commonly found in:
Food services and hospitality
Cleaning and janitorial services
General labor roles
Agriculture and Caregiving
Retail and support staff positions
If you are confused with occupation contact an immigration expert and clarify
Steps to Apply for a Low-Wage LMIA (If Eligible):
Confirm CMA Eligibility: Ensure your city is not listed among those refused under the new policy.
Review Wage Data: Compare your job offer to the provincial/territorial median wage.
Complete LMIA Application: Prepare and submit your application through ESDC.
Meet Program Requirements: These include advertising, housing support (in some cases), and transportation.
The Government of Canada's refusal policy aims to balance economic needs with job opportunities for Canadians. If you're located in a CMA with an unemployment rate below 6%, you can still leverage the Temporary Foreign Worker Program under the low-wage stream provided all other conditions are met.
Need help with your LMIA application?At Admire Immigration Services, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're an employer or a job seeker, we’ll help you navigate Canada’s immigration programs with confidence.
Contact us today for a consultation!
ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC
Vancouver: #200, 223 W Broadway, BC, V5Y 1P5. Phone: 778-925-3008
Surrey: #385-8148, 128 Street, BC, V3W 1R1. Phone: 778-683-3008
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