LMIA Processing 2026 Set to Restart in Key Regions Q1

LMIA processing 2026 is entering a critical new phase as the federal government confirms the restart of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment processing in several major Canadian regions began on January 9, 2026. This development signals renewed opportunities for employers and foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, particularly in regions where unemployment rates have now dropped below the federal threshold of 6%. After months of suspension throughout late 2025, this policy shift reflects improving labour market conditions and the government’s ongoing effort to balance domestic employment priorities with labour shortages in key sectors. Employers and foreign nationals alike must now carefully assess eligibility based on region, wage level, and occupation. Why LMIA Processing 2026 Matters For Employers And Workers Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program , foreign nationals cannot apply for or renew a work permit unless their employer has received a positive or neutral LMIA from Service Canada. Low-wage LMIA processing is particularly sensitive to local labor market conditions. Since August 2024, the government has suspended low-wage LMIA applications in Census Metropolitan Areas where unemployment reached or exceeded 6%, encouraging employers to prioritize hiring Canadians and permanent residents. With unemployment now easing in several regions, LMIA processing in 2026 is expanding again, reopening pathways that were unavailable just months ago. Regions Re-Entering Low-Wage LMIA Processing in Q1 2026 As of January 8, 2026, the following regions have recorded unemployment rates below 6% and are now eligible for low-wage LMIA processing: Halifax, Nova Scotia: 6.1% down to 5.2% Moncton, New Brunswick: 7.3% down to 5.5% Saint John, New Brunswick: 7.3% down to 5.8% Fredericton, New Brunswick: 6.7% down to 5.2% Kingston, Ontario: 6.6% down to 5.6% Winnipeg, Manitoba: 7.3% down to 5.7% Vancouver, British Columbia: 6.8% down to 5.9% Job offers from these regions were previously ineligible for low-wage LMIA processing in late 2025 but can now move forward in Q1 2026, provided all other TFWP requirements are met. The Montreal Exception and Quebec’s Ongoing Freeze Despite Montreal’s unemployment rate falling from 6.7% to 5.5%, low-wage LMIA applications remain suspended in Montreal and Laval. This is due to Quebec’s province-specific moratorium on LMIA processing in these areas, which remains in effect until December 31, 2026. This distinction is critical. Even if federal unemployment thresholds are met, provincial restrictions can override eligibility. Employers and workers targeting Quebec must therefore proceed with caution and verify both federal and provincial rules. Understanding Low-Wage Versus High-Wage LMIA Streams A job is classified under the low-wage stream if the offered wage does not meet 120% of the median wage for the region or is lower than what the employer pays existing staff in similar roles with comparable experience. If the wage meets or exceeds the applicable threshold, the employer must apply under the high-wage stream of the TFWP. In regions where low-wage LMIA processing is suspended, increasing wages may allow employers to remain eligible by shifting to the high-wage stream. Provincial and Territorial Wage Thresholds Below are the current wage thresholds used to determine high-wage eligibility: Alberta: $36.00 British Columbia: $36.60 Manitoba: $30.16 New Brunswick: $30.00 Newfoundland and Labrador: $32.40 Northwest Territories: $48.00 Nova Scotia: $30.00 Nunavut: $42.00 Ontario: $36.00 Prince Edward Island: $30.00 Quebec: $34.62 Saskatchewan: $33.60 Yukon: $44.40 If the offered wage matches or exceeds the relevant threshold, the employer must pursue a high-wage LMIA. Occupations Exempt From The Low-Wage LMIA Freeze Certain occupations remain exempt from low-wage LMIA suspensions regardless of regional unemployment rates. These include roles in: Primary agriculture Construction Food manufacturing Selected front-line healthcare positions The federal government is expected to review and potentially update the exemption list on April 10, 2026. Foreign nationals targeting these sectors may still find opportunities even in regions where low-wage LMIAs are otherwise paused. What Foreign Workers Should Know in 2026 Foreign workers holding low-wage TFWP permits must remain vigilant. If a work permit cannot be extended due to LMIA ineligibility, the individual must stop working immediately upon losing status. They may apply for a visitor record if they wish to remain in Canada legally. Workers who secure a new job offer with a different employer may, in some cases, begin working while a new work permit application is being processed, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria under maintained status rules. How to Check If a Job Location Is Affected To confirm whether a job location falls within an affected Census Metropolitan Area, visit the Census of Population website . Enter the full postal code of the job location, review the geography search results, and identify whether the area is classified as a CMA or census agglomeration. Only CMAs are subject to unemployment-based LMIA suspensions. Jobs located in census agglomerations remain eligible. Key Takeaways Low-wage LMIA processing 2026 is restarting in seven key regions in Q1. Eligibility depends on local unemployment rates falling below 6%. Montreal and Laval remain excluded due to Quebec’s moratorium. Employers can bypass low-wage suspensions by offering high-wage positions. Certain sectors remain exempt from LMIA freezes. Verifying CMA status and wage thresholds is essential before applying. LMIA processing in 2026 marks a cautious reopening of low-wage pathways for employers and foreign workers after a prolonged suspension period. While opportunities are expanding in several regions, the rules remain highly location-specific and wage-dependent. Employers must assess regional unemployment data, provincial restrictions, and wage thresholds carefully, while foreign workers should stay informed to protect their legal status and career plans. With the right strategy and accurate information, LMIA-based employment in Canada remains achievable in 2026.

LMIA Processing 2026 Set to Restart in Key Regions Q1

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