Last Updated On 13 April 2026, 9:23 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada’s updated CMA unemployment rates for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are now in effect and will apply to all low-wage LMIA applications submitted from April 10, 2026, through July 9, 2026.
This quarterly refresh marks a significant tightening compared to the previous cycle.
Only 11 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) remain below the 6% unemployment threshold this quarter, down from 17 in the January 2026 update.
10 CMAs that were open for low-wage LMIA processing last quarter have now crossed back above the 6% line and are once again restricted.
Just four regions moved in the opposite direction and gained eligibility for the first time or regained it after earlier restrictions.
For employers and foreign workers alike, these changes carry immediate consequences for hiring plans and work permit applications across the country.
Table of Contents
Why CMA Unemployment Rates Determine LMIA Outcomes
The federal government ties Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing directly to regional unemployment figures reported at the Census Metropolitan Area level.
When a CMA’s unemployment rate reaches or exceeds 6%, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will not process low-wage LMIA applications for work locations within that CMA.
This policy exists to protect domestic labour market access for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in regions already facing elevated joblessness.
For employers relying on temporary foreign workers to fill entry-level and hourly positions, a restricted CMA means the low-wage hiring pathway is effectively shut down until the next quarterly update.
For workers abroad or already in Canada waiting on an employer-supported work permit, a restricted CMA can delay or derail their employment timeline entirely.
The 6% Threshold That Blocks Low-Wage LMIA Applications
Since September 26, 2024, ESDC has enforced a refusal-to-process policy targeting low-wage LMIA applications in high-unemployment regions.
The rule is straightforward.
If the offered wage falls below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage and the work location sits inside a CMA where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher at the time of submission, that application will not be processed.
This is not a discretionary assessment or a scoring factor.
It is an automatic administrative block based on the published quarterly unemployment data.
The rates are refreshed every three months, and the current set will remain in force until the next scheduled update on July 10, 2026.
How To Check If Your Work Location Falls In A Restricted CMA
Before submitting any low-wage LMIA application, employers must verify whether the work location falls within a CMA that is currently at or above the 6% unemployment threshold.
The process requires two steps.
First, enter the complete postal code of the work location at Statistics Canada’s Census of Population geography search tool.
On the search results page, look for the geographic level labelled Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration.
If the Census Metropolitan Area geographic level does not appear in the results at all, the work location is not inside a CMA and the application remains eligible for processing under this measure.
If the result shows Census Agglomeration, the LMIA application also remains eligible for processing.
If the result shows a Census Metropolitan Area, the employer must then check the unemployment rate for that specific CMA using the official ESDC table provided below.
Any CMA showing an unemployment rate of 6% or higher means the low-wage LMIA application for that work location will not be processed during this quarter.
Complete CMA Unemployment Rate Table For April To July 2026
The table below shows the latest unemployment rates applicable for LMIA applications submitted from April 10, 2026, to July 9, 2026, alongside the two previous quarterly periods for comparison.
CMAs with an unemployment rate at or above 6% are shown in bold to indicate they are currently restricted for low-wage LMIA processing.
The next scheduled update to this table will take place on July 10, 2026.
| Census Metropolitan Area | Rate (%) Apr 10 – Jul 9, 2026 | Rate (%) Jan 9 – Apr 9, 2026 | Rate (%) Oct 10, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026 |
| St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador | 7.6 | 7.1 | 6.8 |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | 6.1 | 5.2 | 6.1 |
| Moncton, New Brunswick | 7.4 | 5.5 | 7.3 |
| Saint John, New Brunswick | 6.0 | 5.8 | 7.3 |
| Fredericton, New Brunswick | 6.5 | 5.2 | 6.7 |
| Saguenay, Quebec | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Québec, Quebec | 3.3 | 2.9 | 4.6 |
| Sherbrooke, Quebec | 5.2 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Trois-Rivières, Quebec | 5.2 | 3.9 | 5.1 |
| Drummondville, Quebec | 7.3 | 5.6 | 4.7 |
| Montréal, Quebec | 6.8 | 5.5 | 6.7 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.7 |
| Kingston, Ontario | 6.2 | 5.6 | 6.6 |
| Belleville – Quinte West, Ontario | 7.9 | 10.6 | 6.6 |
| Peterborough, Ontario | 6.3 | 5.3 | 5.6 |
| Oshawa, Ontario | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9.5 |
| Toronto, Ontario | 7.9 | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Hamilton, Ontario | 6.7 | 6.4 | 7.6 |
| St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario | 7.2 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario | 9.1 | 8.1 | 7.4 |
| Brantford, Ontario | 6.8 | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| Guelph, Ontario | 6.5 | 7.4 | 9.2 |
| London, Ontario | 9.3 | 7.3 | 7.0 |
| Windsor, Ontario | 8.8 | 7.1 | 11.3 |
| Barrie, Ontario | 8.8 | 8.7 | 7.5 |
| Greater Sudbury, Ontario | 6.4 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Thunder Bay, Ontario | 5.9 | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | 6.0 | 5.7 | 7.3 |
| Regina, Saskatchewan | 6.4 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 5.5 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| Lethbridge, Alberta | 5.9 | 7.2 | 8.5 |
| Calgary, Alberta | 7.1 | 6.3 | 8.0 |
| Red Deer, Alberta | 5.9 | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | 7.0 | 6.9 | 9.0 |
| Kelowna, British Columbia | 8.9 | 8.5 | 6.0 |
| Kamloops, British Columbia | 5.2 | 6.6 | 8.6 |
| Chilliwack, British Columbia | 5.7 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia | 6.2 | 6.4 | 8.1 |
| Vancouver, British Columbia | 6.5 | 5.9 | 6.8 |
| Victoria, British Columbia | 4.9 | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| Nanaimo, British Columbia | 7.2 | 6.3 | 9.7 |
Only 11 CMAs Now Eligible For Low-Wage LMIAs
This quarter’s refresh represents a sharp reduction in the number of regions where employers can access the low-wage TFWP stream.
During the January 2026 cycle, 17 CMAs sat below the 6% unemployment threshold.
That number has now dropped to just 11, with 30 of Canada’s 41 tracked CMAs currently restricted.
The contraction is driven by unemployment rates climbing back above 6% in several major labour markets that had only recently become eligible, including Montréal, Vancouver, Halifax, and Winnipeg.
10 CMAs Newly Restricted This Quarter
The following ten regions were below the 6% threshold last quarter but have now crossed above it, shutting down low-wage LMIA processing for April 10, 2026, through July 9, 2026.
| Census Metropolitan Area | Current Rate (%) | Previous Rate (%) |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | 6.1 | 5.2 |
| Moncton, New Brunswick | 7.4 | 5.5 |
| Saint John, New Brunswick | 6.0 | 5.8 |
| Fredericton, New Brunswick | 6.5 | 5.2 |
| Drummondville, Quebec | 7.3 | 5.6 |
| Montréal, Quebec | 6.8 | 5.5 |
| Kingston, Ontario | 6.2 | 5.6 |
| Peterborough, Ontario | 6.3 | 5.3 |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Vancouver, British Columbia | 6.5 | 5.9 |
Montréal’s jump from 5.5% to 6.8% is particularly notable because it is Canada’s second-largest metropolitan area and a major hub for employer-driven foreign worker hiring.
Vancouver’s return to restricted status at 6.5%, after sitting at 5.9% last quarter, closes off another critical labour market on the west coast.
All four New Brunswick CMAs are now restricted, leaving the entire province without low-wage LMIA access through the TFWP this quarter.
4 CMAs Newly Eligible This Quarter
Four CMAs moved below 6% this quarter, reopening low-wage LMIA processing for employers in those regions.
| Census Metropolitan Area | Current Rate (%) | Previous Rate (%) |
| Lethbridge, Alberta | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| Red Deer, Alberta | 5.9 | 8.9 |
| Kamloops, British Columbia | 5.2 | 6.6 |
| Chilliwack, British Columbia | 5.7 | 7.3 |
Red Deer’s drop from 8.9% to 5.9% is the largest single-quarter decline on the entire list.
Kamloops and Chilliwack also saw meaningful decreases that brought both British Columbia CMAs back under the threshold.
Lethbridge rounds out the newly eligible group after falling from 7.2% to 5.9%.
CMAs That Remain Eligible (Still Below 6%)
Seven CMAs that were already below 6% last quarter continue to meet the eligibility threshold this cycle.
| Census Metropolitan Area | Current Rate (%) | Previous Rate (%) |
| Saguenay, Quebec | 3.9 | 4.3 |
| Québec, Quebec | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Sherbrooke, Quebec | 5.2 | 4.8 |
| Trois-Rivières, Quebec | 5.2 | 3.9 |
| Thunder Bay, Ontario | 5.9 | 4.2 |
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Victoria, British Columbia | 4.9 | 3.7 |
Québec City continues to hold the lowest unemployment rate among all tracked CMAs at 3.3%.
Victoria remains well below the threshold at 4.9%, offering consistent access for employers in the region.
Saskatoon dipped slightly from 5.8% to 5.5%, keeping Saskatchewan’s second-largest city open for low-wage hiring.
Thunder Bay’s rate rose from 4.2% to 5.9% but still remains below the cutoff, though it is now dangerously close to the 6% line heading into the July refresh.
What This Means For Foreign Workers
Foreign workers waiting on employer-supported work permits should understand how these quarterly changes affect their situation.
Job opportunities tied to low-wage LMIAs will shrink in the 10 newly restricted CMAs because employers in those regions can no longer access the low-wage TFWP stream.
In the four newly eligible CMAs, employer access to the program has opened up, which could create fresh hiring activity.
The unemployment rate is assessed at the time the LMIA application is submitted, not when the job offer is extended.
This means timing within the quarterly cycle matters significantly.
Workers currently holding a valid work permit in a restricted CMA are not directly affected by this measure.
The restriction applies to the processing of new low-wage LMIA applications, not to the status of existing work permits.
Workers considering job offers from employers in newly restricted CMAs should ask whether the employer plans to apply under the high-wage stream or through an exempt sector before committing to a relocation or job change.
For those exploring opportunities in newly eligible CMAs like Lethbridge, Red Deer, Kamloops, or Chilliwack, acting within this quarter is important since rates can shift again at the July 10, 2026, update.
Workers already inside Canada on other valid status, such as a study permit or visitor record, should consult a licensed immigration professional before accepting any employer-supported position in a restricted CMA.
Sector Exemptions That Still Allow LMIA Processing
Even in CMAs where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher, LMIA applications for certain sectors and occupations remain exempt from this refusal-to-process measure.
Positions in primary agriculture continue to be processed without regard to the CMA unemployment rate.
Construction positions classified under NAICS 23 are exempt from the restriction.
Food manufacturing roles under NAICS 311 also remain eligible for processing.
Hospital positions under NAICS 622 and nursing and residential care facility positions under NAICS 623 are exempt.
Specific in-home caregiver positions under NOC 31301, 32101, 44100, and 44101 continue to be processed.
Short-duration positions of 120 calendar days or less that are truly temporary or highly mobile may also qualify for an exemption, provided the employer submits a written justification with the application.
Employers seeking to use any of these exemptions should review the specific eligibility criteria on the official ESDC page before submitting.
It is important to note that even when an exemption applies, all other standard LMIA requirements remain in effect, including advertising obligations, wage compliance, and workplace safety standards.
Employers must clearly identify the applicable exemption in their application and provide supporting documentation where required, particularly for short-duration position requests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an employer switch from a low-wage LMIA to a high-wage LMIA to avoid the 6% CMA restriction?
Yes, if the employer raises the offered wage to meet or exceed the provincial or territorial median hourly wage threshold, the position would be classified under the high-wage stream instead. The CMA unemployment rate restriction applies specifically to low-wage positions, so a high-wage application would not be subject to this refusal-to-process measure. However, the high-wage stream has its own distinct requirements, including a transition plan, that employers must satisfy.
What happens if the unemployment rate drops below 6% in the next quarterly update after my LMIA was refused?
An LMIA that was refused to process due to the CMA unemployment rate cannot be retroactively reconsidered. The employer would need to submit a completely new LMIA application during the new quarterly period when the updated rate is in effect. Each application is assessed based on the unemployment rate applicable at the time of submission.
Does this CMA restriction affect LMIA applications for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)?
No, positions under primary agriculture, including those processed through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, are explicitly exempt from the CMA unemployment rate refusal-to-process measure. Employers in the agricultural sector can continue to submit LMIA applications regardless of the unemployment rate in their CMA.
Can a work location just outside a CMA boundary still be affected by the 6% unemployment restriction?
No, the restriction applies only to work locations that fall within a Census Metropolitan Area as defined by Statistics Canada. If the postal code search returns a Census Agglomeration or no CMA classification at all, the location is not subject to this measure. Employers should use the Statistics Canada geographic search tool to confirm the exact classification before filing.
Will the federal government change the 6% threshold or eliminate this measure entirely in the near future?
The 6% threshold was introduced as part of broader TFWP reforms announced in 2024 and has remained in place through multiple quarterly cycles. While the government has conducted consultations on further program changes for 2026 and beyond, no official announcement has been made to alter or remove the unemployment rate threshold. Employers should plan on the basis that this measure will continue until a formal policy change is published.
Fact-Checked: All unemployment rates and CMA data referenced in this article are sourced directly from the official ESDC refusal-to-process page on Canada.ca, last verified on April 13, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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