The purpose of this communiqué is to provide information on updated unemployment rate data by census metropolitan area (CMA).
Unemployment rate data by CMA (seasonal unadjusted) is used as part of a measure introduced in September 2024 for the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).
Since September 26, 2024, and until further notice, LMIA applications are not processed if all the conditions below are met:
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The wage offered for the position(s) requested is below the provincial or territorial wage threshold (low-wage positions); and
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The unemployment rate of the CMA where the work is located is 6% or higher on the TFW Program quarterly table at the time the LMIA application is submitted.
On April 10, 2026, the table of unemployment rates by CMA was updated on the TFW Program website.
As usual, the table is automatically updated on a quarterly basis in accordance with Statistics Canada’s publication dates. Upcoming updates are scheduled for July, October, and January.
As a reminder, certain low-wage positions are exempt from this refusal to process measure. More information can be found on the TFW Program website under Refusal to process a Labour Market Impact Assessment application.
If you have any questions about the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC)
Thank you for raising awareness among your field agents, as well as the TFWs and their employers, about the measures, rights, and responsibilities of all parties involved.
