The recent update of the unemployment rate by Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) took place on October 10.
These data are important to consider to allow the processing of your temporary work permit application.

Before submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application and ensuring it meets the requirements
to be processed by Service Canada, you must determine whether the low-wage positions are located in CMAs where
the unemployment rate is below 6%.

If one of the workplaces is located in a CMA with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, your application will not be processed.

The recent update took place on October 10, and the results for Quebec’s CMAs are as follows:

Saguenay, Quebec — 4.2%
Quebec City, Quebec — 4.6%
Sherbrooke, Quebec — 5.3%
Trois-Rivières, Quebec — 5.1%
Drummondville, Quebec — 4.7%
Montreal, Quebec — 6.7%
Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec — 7.7%

The next update will take place on January 9, 2026.

Role of the LMIA

An LMIA is an authorization that employers must obtain before hiring a temporary foreign worker.
It serves to demonstrate that the position meets a need and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident
is available for the role.
If the LMIA is approved, the worker can then submit a work permit application.

Link Between LMIA and CMA

Authorities have implemented a processing refusal policy for low-wage LMIA applications in CMAs where the
unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
This measure aims to prioritize local workers in areas experiencing high labour market challenges.
The list of affected CMAs is updated quarterly based on the unemployment rate published by Statistics Canada.
High-wage positions are not affected by this policy.

Implications for Businesses

Businesses wishing to hire a foreign worker for a low-wage position must verify the unemployment rate of the
relevant CMA before submitting an LMIA application.

If the unemployment rate is 6% or higher, the application will be refused.

A CMA may be removed from the list of affected areas if its unemployment rate drops below 6%.
A company may avoid LMIA refusal if it can demonstrate that the position is classified as high-wage.

If you have any questions or need support with immigration procedures, we are here to assist you.