Canada’s latest unemployment rates for Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) will affect low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) applications until April 9, 2026.
Employers need to consider these numbers as they determine whether a low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will proceed, impacting the processing of job offers for entry-level and hourly workers.
The recent update is in effect for LMIA applications submitted between January 9, 2026, and April 9, 2026, with expectations for future reviews in the upcoming quarterly cycles.
Significance of CMA Unemployment Rates for Work Permits
Most work permits under the TFWP require an LMIA, and when a low-wage LMIA is constrained due to high unemployment rates in a CMA, employers might need to resort to domestic recruitment, adjust roles and wages, or explore alternative pathways.
Understanding Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)
A Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is a region surrounding an urban core with a minimum population of 100,000, including neighboring municipalities that share the same labor market. CMAs play a crucial role in determining LMIA screening criteria.
Impact of the 6% Rule on Low-Wage LMIAs
Since September 2024, a key restriction states that when the CMA unemployment rate is 6% or higher and the offered wage is below the provincial median, low-wage LMIA applications in that area are not processed, prioritizing Canadian citizens and permanent residents for available jobs.
Updated CMA Unemployment Rates
Below is the current list of CMA unemployment rates for the period from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026, alongside the previous two quarters:
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- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: 7.1%
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- Halifax, Nova Scotia: 5.2%
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- Moncton, New Brunswick: 5.5%
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- Saint John, New Brunswick: 5.8%
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- Fredericton, New Brunswick: 5.2%
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- (and more…)
Eligibility for Low-Wage LMIA Filings
Several CMAs have become eligible for low-wage LMIA applications due to unemployment rates dropping below 6%:
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- Halifax, Nova Scotia
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- Moncton, New Brunswick
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- Saint John, New Brunswick
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- (and more…)
CMAs with rates above 6% continue to face restrictions in low-wage LMIA processing unless wage thresholds are met.
