Canada has expanded its list of regions where low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will not be processed under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
As of October 10, 2025, 32 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are affected, up from 26 in the previous quarter. The freeze applies to regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, following a federal policy introduced in August 2024.
Newly ineligible regions include
Guelph (ON), Greater Sudbury (ON), Winnipeg (MB), Regina (SK), Lethbridge (AB), Red Deer (AB), and Kelowna (BC).
Peterborough (ON), however, has been removed from the list and can now process low-wage LMIAs again.
The current list will remain in effect until January 8, 2026, when the government releases its next quarterly update.
Employers in affected CMAs can still hire under the high-wage stream by offering wages at or above the provincial median hourly rate. Alternatively, they may wait three months for potential changes in unemployment data.
Foreign nationals seeking low-wage positions should target sectors exempt from the freeze, such as:
- Primary agriculture
- Construction
- Food manufacturing
- Hospitals and care facilities
- In-home caregiving
- Short-term (≤120 days) or PR-supporting roles
Foreign workers whose permits cannot be renewed under the low-wage stream must cease work once their permits expire but may apply to remain in Canada as visitors.
