Important LMIA Update for British Columbia Employers

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated the annual hourly wage threshold and the Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) affected by higher unemployment rates.

These updates are important for employers considering hiring foreign workers, as the offered wage determines whether an LMIA application is submitted under the high-wage or low-wage stream.

For British Columbia:

• LMIAs received between June 27, 2025 – July 16, 2026: wage threshold is $36.60/hour

• For LMIAs received as of July 17, 2026: wage threshold increases to $38.40/hour

Employers should also carefully review the job location. A low-wage LMIA application will not be processed if the position is located in a CMA with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.

Current BC CMA unemployment rates (July 10, 2026 – October 8, 2026):

• Vancouver – 6.7%

• Kelowna - 7.5%

• Nanaimo – 6.5%

• Abbotsford–Mission – 8.0%

• Chilliwack – 7.9%

• Kamloops – 7.0%

• Victoria – 4.6%

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. Certain occupations and situations are exempt from the refusal-to-process measure. These include:

• Occupations in primary agriculture;

• Positions in construction;

• Positions in food manufacturing;

• Positions in hospitals;

• Positions in nursing and residential care facilities;

• Certain in-home caregiver positions;

• Positions supporting permanent residence applications (no application for work permit) and

• Short-duration positions of 120 calendar days or less that meet specific requirements.

Employers should confirm whether an exemption applies before determining their next steps.

What Should Employers Do Before Applying for an LMIA?

Before investing time and resources into an LMIA application, employers should:

1. Confirm the exact work location and CMA classification;

2. Review the current unemployment rate restrictions;

3. Determine whether the position is high-wage or low-wage;

4. Confirm whether an exemption may apply;

5. Ensure recruitment and LMIA requirements are properly addressed.

A well-prepared LMIA strategy can help reduce delays and avoid submitting an application that cannot be processed.

How Can Employers Check If Their Location Is Affected?

Employers can verify the CMA classification of the job location by:

1. Searching the work location postal code through the Government of Canada Census information tools;

2. Reviewing the listed CMA or census agglomeration;

3. Comparing the location with the current quarterly LMIA restriction list.

If the location is not listed as an affected CMA, low-wage LMIA processing may still be available.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program continues to change in response to labour market conditions across Canada. For employers, staying informed about wage thresholds, unemployment rates, and LMIA eligibility requirements is essential.

Understanding these requirements before starting the LMIA process can help employers avoid delays and determine the appropriate pathway for hiring foreign talent.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/refusal.html

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