Starting January 9, 2026, the Canadian federal government has resumed processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in eight regions across Canada, including Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kingston, and Halifax. This is significant news for foreign workers hoping to apply for or extend their work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The resumption comes as these regions’ unemployment rates dropped below 6%, meeting the government’s criteria for processing low-wage LMIA applications. Previously, employers in these regions could not hire foreign workers for low-wage positions without a positive or neutral LMIA.

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What Is a Low-Wage LMIA and Who Is Impacted?

A low-wage LMIA applies to jobs that pay less than 120% of the median wage for the region or below the employer’s current pay scale for the same position. Without a positive LMIA, foreign nationals cannot apply for or renew a work permit in these roles.

Certain occupations are exempt from the freeze, including:

• Primary agriculture

• Construction

• Select front-line healthcare roles

The next update to this list of eligible and ineligible regions is expected on April 10, 2026.

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Newly Eligible Regions for Low-Wage LMIA Processing

The following regions were previously ineligible due to higher unemployment but will now accept low-wage LMIA applications in Q1 2026:

• 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

This change opens new opportunities for foreign workers seeking low-wage employment in Canada.

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What If Your Job Offer Is in an Impacted Region?

For Employers:
If your business is located in a CMA where low-wage LMIA processing is paused, you can still hire foreign workers by increasing wages to meet the high-wage threshold, specific to each province:

Employers can also wait for the next quarter if the CMA’s unemployment rate drops below 6% again.

For Foreign Nationals:
Workers can focus on:

• Occupations exempt from the freeze (e.g., agriculture, construction, healthcare)

• Jobs in CMAs where low-wage LMIA processing is still active

• High-wage TFWP positions

Foreign workers on low-wage TFWP permits who lose status due to LMIA ineligibility cannot continue working but may apply for a visitor record to remain in Canada temporarily.

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Full List of Ineligible CMAs (January 9 – April 9, 2026)

Some regions remain ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing due to unemployment rates above 6%:

• St. John’s, NL – 7.1%

• Ottawa-Gatineau, ON/QC – 6.8%

• Toronto, ON – 7.5%

• Hamilton, ON – 6.4%

• Edmonton, AB – 6.9%
  (Complete list available on the official census site)

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How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating Canada’s immigration and work permit programs can be complex. ICC Immigration provides expert guidance to help you achieve your long-term goals, whether it’s obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) or maintaining your work permit status.

Our services include:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other pathways, we help ensure your PR application is processed efficiently.

• Work Permits & Study Permits: Explore temporary pathways to establish your career or education in Canada, leading toward Permanent Residency.

• Family Sponsorships: Reunite with family members in Canada while securing your PR status.

• Expert Legal Advice: Stay compliant with Canada’s immigration policies with professional guidance that maximizes your success.

Instead of relying on uncertain asylum pathways, choose a stable, secure, and legally compliant route to Canadian PR. ICC Immigration is ready to support you at every step.

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Key Takeaways

• LMIA processing resumes in eight regions including Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Kingston in Q1 2026.

• Employers can increase wages to qualify for the high-wage stream if unemployment rates remain above 6%.

• Foreign nationals should focus on exempt occupations or high-wage roles to secure a work permit.

• ICC Immigration offers full guidance for PR, work permits, and family sponsorships, ensuring long-term security in Canada.

For the latest updates and personalized advice, schedule a consultation with ICC Immigration today.