10/09/2026
CANADA LMIA UPDATE: NEW UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR LOW-WAGE POSITIONS
📢 Important Update for Canadian Employers and Foreign Workers!
The Government of Canada has updated the unemployment rates used for the Refusal to Process measure under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), effective October 9, 2026.
📅 Applicable Period: October 9, 2026 – January 7, 2027
🔄 Next Scheduled Update: January 8, 2027
Under this measure, certain LMIA applications for low-wage positions may not be processed if the job location is within a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, subject to applicable exemptions.
📍 Selected CMA Unemployment Rates
• Saint John, New Brunswick – 5.5%
*Thunder Bay, Ontario – 4.6%
* Winnipeg, Manitoba – 5.9%
* Kamloops, British Columbia – 3.6%
*Chilliwack, British Columbia – 5.6%
*Victoria, British Columbia – 5.8%
*Saguenay Quebec - 3.7%
*Quebec, Quebec - 4.3%
*Sherbrooke Quebec -4.2%
*Trois-Rivieres, Quebec -5.7%
*Drummondville, Quebec -3.8%
⚠️ What Employers Should Know
✅ Check the unemployment rate for the specific job location before submitting an LMIA application.
✅ Confirm whether the position falls under the low-wage stream and whether any exemptions apply.
✅ Remember that an unemployment rate below 6% does not guarantee LMIA approval. Employers must still meet all applicable program requirements, including recruitment, advertising, and workforce-cap requirements.
✅ The refusal-to-process measure is based on the job location and the applicable rules at the time of submission.
📌 Important Reminder: The unemployment-rate table is updated every three months. Always consult the official Government of Canada website for the latest rates and program requirements.
📩 Need assistance with LMIA requirements or employer eligibility? Contact AJOC International for guidance regarding your Canadian immigration and LMIA processing needs.
AJOC International — Your Canadian Immigration Partner.
