In a significant update for Canadian employers and aspiring foreign workers, the federal government has announced it will resume processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for the low-wage stream in eight key regions across the country, starting January 9, 2026. This move is expected to address critical labour shortages in several sectors.
Summary of the Announcement
Effective January 9, 2026, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will once again begin accepting and processing LMIA applications for low-wage positions in eight specific regions. While the full list of regions is pending, the announcement has confirmed that major metropolitan areas such as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kingston, and Halifax are included. This decision lifts a temporary pause on the processing of these applications, reopening a vital pathway for bringing temporary foreign workers to Canada.
What Does This Update Mean?
This is a major development for employers struggling to fill positions that fall under the provincial or territorial median wage. The resumption of LMIA processing means businesses in these eight regions can now hire foreign talent to fill essential roles, ensuring they can maintain operations and continue to serve their communities. For foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada, this reopens doors to job opportunities in high-demand sectors like hospitality, food service, and retail within these specified areas, providing a clear path to obtaining a Canadian work permit.
Who Is Affected by This Change?
- Canadian Employers: Businesses located in the eight designated regions, particularly those in the service and hospitality industries, can now restart their efforts to hire temporary foreign workers for low-wage positions.
- Foreign Workers: Individuals seeking to work in Canada now have a renewed opportunity to find employment with employers in these regions who can support their work permit application with a positive LMIA.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This update directly impacts the Low-Wage Stream of the TFWP, signaling a return to full operational capacity in the affected areas.
- Local Economies: The economies of Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, and the other affected regions will benefit from having critical labour shortages filled, which supports local business growth and stability.
How Are Employers Affected?
Employers in the specified regions can now prepare to submit LMIA applications for low-wage roles. It is crucial for employers to remember the stringent requirements of the TFWP’s Low-Wage Stream. This includes conducting thorough recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents first, meeting specific advertising guidelines, and developing a comprehensive Transition Plan to reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers over time. A positive LMIA demonstrates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian is available to do the job.
What Can You Do About It? Actionable Next Steps
- For Foreign Job Seekers: Begin searching for job opportunities in the newly eligible regions (like Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kingston, and Halifax). Update your resume to the Canadian standard and prepare for interviews. If you receive a job offer, your employer will need to secure a positive LMIA before you can apply for your work permit.
- For Canadian Employers: If you are located in one of the eight regions, you should begin preparing your LMIA application immediately. Review the detailed requirements on the ESDC website, start your mandatory recruitment and advertising campaign, and ensure all documentation is in order to avoid processing delays once submissions open.
Important Dates & Deadlines
The key date for this announcement is January 9, 2026. This is the date when ESDC will officially resume processing low-wage LMIA applications in the designated regions. Employers should aim to have their applications ready for submission on or shortly after this date to take full advantage of this reopening.