10/15/2026
π¨ CANADA LMIA UPDATE π¨π¦ | 30 CITIES AFFECTED
New low-wage LMIA restrictions took effect on October 9, 2026, affecting employers in 30 Canadian cities. Six cities were added, while restrictions were lifted in two others.
π΄ 6 CITIES ADDED:
β Halifax
β Fredericton
β Kingston
β St. CatharinesβNiagara
β Regina
β Lethbridge
π’ 2 CITIES WHERE RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED:
β
Kamloops
β
Chilliwack
π WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is an approval an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker through certain work permit pathways.
β³ Restriction period: October 9, 2026 β January 7, 2027.
In affected areas, employers generally cannot apply for or renew LMIAs for low-wage positions while the restrictions remain in effect, subject to applicable exemptions.
π° DOES YOUR WAGE MATTER?
Yes! The restrictions target low-wage positions. The applicable provincial or territorial wage threshold helps determine whether a position falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream.
Examples of thresholds shown in the current update:
β’ Ontario: $36.92/hour
β’ British Columbia: $38.40/hour
β’ Alberta: $37.50/hour
β’ Saskatchewan: $34.62/hour
π₯ SOME SECTORS MAY BE EXEMPT
These include primary agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care, and certain in-home caregiver arrangements. Eligibility depends on the specific rules and circumstances.
π IS YOUR WORK PERMIT EXPIRING?
Apply for an extension before your current permit expires, if eligible. You may be able to benefit from maintained status and continue working under the conditions of your existing authorization while IRCC processes your application.
β οΈ Don't assume you're automatically affectedβor exempt. Your occupation, wage, location, and work permit category all matter.
π¨π¦ HOW SAPLING IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC. CAN HELP
βοΈ Assess your wage, occupation, and location
βοΈ Review potential exemptions
βοΈ Guide you on work permit extensions and status
βοΈ Explore high-wage LMIA, LMIA-exempt, PNP, and PR pathways where eligible
π¨βπΌ Guided by RCIC Vakul Puri (R710882)
π¬ Comment βLMIAβ or send us a DM to discuss your situation.
π² Contact Sapling Immig