It is the rule that decides whether your low-wage LMIA application gets looked at at all.
The rule
Since 26 September 2024, ESDC refuses to process LMIA applications for positions paying below the provincial wage threshold where the work location is in a census metropolitan area with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
Refuse to process is not refuse. The application is not assessed. You do not get a decision on merit.
Which rate applies
The rate for the census metropolitan area of the work location — not the province, not the national figure. The table is published and updated every three months.
What "low-wage" means
Below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. Above it, the position falls into the high-wage stream and this rule does not apply.
Who is exempt
Primary agriculture, food processing including meat and fish plants, construction, and healthcare.
Food service is not exempt. This catches restaurant operators repeatedly, because "food processing" sounds like it should cover them.
What it does not touch
LMIA-exempt routes. The rule governs the LMIA process, so exemptions under the International Mobility Program are outside it entirely.
Francophone Mobility is one such exemption: French-speaking worker, position outside Quebec, no labour market test of any kind.
What to do if your city is above the line
Check whether an exemption fits before assuming the door is closed. For many employers it does, and they never find out.
FrancoBridge publishes your job to French-speaking candidates in six markets.
The CMA list updates quarterly. Verify on canada.ca. This is not immigration advice.