NO LMIA FROM CANADA GOVERNMENT

As of April 4, 2025, Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) continues its policy of not processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. This measure aims to prioritize employment opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in regions experiencing higher unemployment.

Understanding the Policy

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. The program is divided into two streams based on the wage offered:

-High-Wage Stream For positions offering wages at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.

- Low-Wage Stream For positions offering wages below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.

Employers seeking to hire under the low-wage stream must obtain a positive LMIA, demonstrating that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position. However, in CMAs with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, these LMIA applications will not be processed. This policy is reviewed quarterly, with the latest update effective April 4, 2025.

Affected Census Metropolitan Areas

As of the latest update, the following CMAs have unemployment rates at or above 6%, rendering them ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing:

Guelph, Ontario 6.2%

- London, Ontario– 6.4%

-Windsor, Ontario 8.8%

- Barrie, Ontario– 6%

- Regina, Saskatchewan 6.1%

-Calgary, Alberta 7.5%

- Edmonton, Alberta – 6.8%

Employers and foreign workers should consult the official list, updated quarterly, to verify the eligibility of specific regions. citeturn0search0

Determining CMA Status

To ascertain whether a job location falls within an affected CMA:

1. Visit the Census of Population website.

2. Enter the complete postal code of the work location.

3. Review the Census Metropolitan Area/Census Agglomeration" field in the search results to identify the corresponding CMA.

This process helps employers and workers determine if their location is subject to the LMIA processing restrictions. citeturn0search0

Options for Employers in Affected Regions

Employers in regions where low-wage LMIAs are not processed have several alternatives:

- Increase Offered Wages By offering a wage that meets or exceeds the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, employers can apply under the high-wage stream, which remains unaffected by these restrictions.

-Wait for Quarterly Updates: Since the list of affected CMAs is updated every three months, employers might choose to delay their LMIA applications in anticipation of changes in unemployment rates.

-Explore Other Immigration Pathways Employers can consider other programs, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which may offer more flexibility in hiring foreign workers.

Implications for Foreign Workers

Foreign workers seeking employment in Canada should be aware of the following:

Job Search in Eligible Regions Focus on opportunities in CMAs not affected by the LMIA processing restrictions to increase the likelihood of application approval.

-Discuss Wage Adjustments with Employers: If an offer is in an affected region, negotiate the possibility of a higher wage to qualify under the high-wage stream.

- Stay Informed on Policy Updates Regularly check for updates to the list of affected CMAs and understand how changes may impact employment opportunities.

Exceptions and Special Considerations

Certain sectors and occupations may be exempt from these restrictions. For instance, in August 2024, the Government of Canada approved Quebec's request to temporarily suspend processing new LMIAs for low-wage occupations in the Montréal economic region, with exceptions for specific sectors such as agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services. citeturn0search3

Conclusion
The policy of not processing low-wage LMIAs in CMAs with unemployment rates of 6% or higher reflects Canada's commitment to prioritizing local labor forces in areas with higher unemployment. Employers and foreign workers must stay informed about these regulations and consider alternative strategies to meet labor needs and employment goals. Regular consultation of official resources and professional advice is recommended to navigate the complexities of the TFWP effectively.

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