These are the regions in Canada where low-wage LMIAs won’t be processed, as of January 2025.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is the Low-Wage Stream of the TFWP?
  3. Regions Where LMIAs Will Not Be Processed
  4. Current Ineligible CMAs (January 2025)
  5. How to Determine if a Work Location is in a CMA
  6. Options for Employers and Employees in Ineligible CMAs
  7. Past CMA Updates
  8. Understanding CMAs
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

If you’re considering applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), recent updates might affect your eligibility. Wave Visas, a trusted name in immigration consulting, brings you the latest details on the regions where LMIAs under the low-wage stream will not be processed.

What is the Low-Wage Stream of the TFWP?

Canada’s TFWP enables employers to address labor shortages by hiring eligible foreign workers. Depending on the wage offered, the employer applies under either the high-wage or low-wage stream:

  • High-Wage Stream: For positions offering wages at or above the provincial/territorial median.
  • Low-Wage Stream: For positions offering wages below the provincial/territorial median.

As of November 8, 2024, the hourly wage for high-wage stream workers must be at least 20% higher than the median wage or equal to what similar workers earn for the same employer — whichever is higher. If the wage does not meet this threshold, employers must apply under the low-wage stream.

Regions Where LMIAs Will Not Be Processed

On August 26, 2024, the federal government announced that LMIAs under the low-wage stream would not be processed in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. This measure aims to prioritize local workers in areas with high unemployment.

Current Ineligible CMAs (January 2025)

As of January 10, 2025, the following 15 CMAs have unemployment rates of 6% or higher, making them ineligible for low-wage stream LMIA applications:


This list is updated quarterly, with the next update scheduled for April 4, 2025.

How to Determine if a Work Location is in a CMA

To verify if your job’s location falls within one of these CMAs:

  1. Enter the complete postal code of the work location on the Census of Population website.
  2. On the search results page, check the “Census metropolitan area/ Census agglomeration” section to identify the CMA.

Options for Employers and Employees in Ineligible CMAs

Employers

  • Increase Wages: Consider raising the offered wage to meet the high-wage stream threshold.
  • Wait for Updates: Monitor CMA unemployment rates for potential changes in eligibility.

Employees

  • Explore Eligible CMAs: Focus job searches on CMAs where LMIAs are still being processed.
  • Request Wage Adjustments: Discuss with employers about increasing wages to qualify under the high-wage stream.
  • Maintain Legal Status: Workers whose permits cannot be extended may apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada legally.

Past CMA Updates

Between October 11, 2024, and January 9, 2025, several CMAs had unemployment rates of 6% or higher but are no longer on the list:

  • Trois-Rivières, Quebec (5.2%)
  • Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec (5.4%)
  • Kingston, Ontario (5.7%)
  • Brantford, Ontario (4.2%)
  • Winnipeg, Manitoba (5.6%)
  • Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia (5.4%)
  • Vancouver, British Columbia (5.9%)

Understanding CMAs

A CMA is a region comprising one or more municipalities around a core population center with at least 100,000 residents. Municipalities within a CMA demonstrate economic and social integration with the core, as indicated by commuting patterns. Once designated, a region retains its CMA status regardless of population changes.

Conclusion

Staying informed about LMIA processing criteria is essential for both employers and foreign workers. Wave Visas, the best immigration consultant in Delhi, can guide you through these changes, ensuring a seamless immigration process. Contact Wave Immigration Consultant today for expert advice tailored to your needs.

Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building №5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane №2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030.

https://wavevisas.com/canada-immigration



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