The purpose of this communiqué is to provide updates on unemployment rates data by census metropolitan area (CMA) as well as the renewal of the measure requested by the Government of Quebec to refuse to process certain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program) in the economic regions of Montréal and in Laval (referred after as, “moratorium”). The Government of Quebec refers to this measure as the “suspension de la réception de certaines demandes d’EIMT dans les régions administratives de Montréal et Laval.”
Refusal to process LMIA applications for low-wage positions in CMAs with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher
Unemployment rate data by CMA (seasonal unadjusted) is used as part of a measure introduced in September 2024 for the processing of LMIA applications under the TFW Program.
Since September 26, 2024, and until further notice, LMIA applications are not processed for positions where:
- The wage offered for the position(s) requested is below the provincial or territorial wage threshold (low-wage positions), and
- The work location is in a CMA, and
- The unemployment rate of the CMA where the work is located is 6% or higher at the time the LMIA application is submitted.
On January 9, 2026, the table of unemployment rates by CMA and by period 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 April, July, and October.
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.
Moratorium for low-wage positions in Montréal and in Laval
This measure requested by the Government of Quebec in the economic regions of Montréal and Laval has been extended until December 31, 2026.
The moratorium applies to LMIA applications, including those under the facilitated processing, for positions:
- with a wage below the Quebec wage threshold, currently $34.62/hour, and
- with a work location in the economic region of Montréal (island of Montréal) or Laval.
With the recent update of the CMAs affected by the processing refusal published on January 9, 2026, the unemployment rate in the Montréal CMA has fallen below 6%. Therefore, effective this date, the requirements and exemptions of the Government of Quebec requested moratorium will determine if the LMIA application will be processed.
It is important to note that the applications covered by this measure will not be processed and fees linked to these applications will not be charged (if applicable).
As a reminder, LMIA applications in Quebec must be submitted simultaneously to both Service Canada, and to the Ministère de l’Immigration, la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
For more information on the exemptions for both refusals to process LMIA applications for low-wage positions, please consult the TFW Program website. Additional information regarding applications received in the economic regions of Montréal and Laval is also available on the Government of Quebec website (only in French).
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
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.
