Starting September 26, 2024, the following revisions will be implemented for specific LMIA applications in the low-wage category:
- LMIA applications for low-wage roles in metropolitan regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or above will not be accepted. Exceptions will be granted for both seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in critical sectors such as food security (including primary agriculture, food processing, and fish processing), as well as in construction and healthcare.
- The limit on low-wage positions will be decreased from 20% to 10%. Exceptions will be granted for both seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in critical sectors such as food security (including primary agriculture, food processing, and fish processing), as well as in construction and healthcare.
- The maximum period for employment in low-wage roles will be reduced from 2 years to 1 year
The Government will keep track of labor market conditions and adjust the Program as needed in the coming months to ensure that only employers with genuine labor market needs benefit. Within the next 90 days, the Program will be further reviewed, potentially resulting in changes to the High-Wage Stream, modifications to existing LMIA applications with unfilled positions, sectoral exceptions, or the refusal of certain LMIA applications, including those for rural areas.
Temporary Suspension of LMIA Processing for Low-Wage Positions in Montreal
From September 3, 2024, to March 3, 2025, LMIA applications for low-wage positions in the Montréal economic region will not be processed.