Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) framework is guided by regional unemployment rates to determine where foreign worker applications can be processed under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The Government of Canada updates these rates quarterly, directly affecting the refusal to process measure in regions where unemployment is high.
The latest update, effective for LMIA applications submitted between April 4 and July 10, 2025, shows notable increases in unemployment across several Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA). For example, St. John’s, NL rose to 7.6%, Saint John, NB increased to 7.7%, and Drummondville, QC, now reported, shows a rate of 8.0%. These changes are critical for employers and immigration professionals when planning workforce strategies and assessing application viability.
If a CMA is not listed, the LMIA application will still be eligible for processing. The next unemployment rate update is scheduled for July 11, 2025. Staying current with these updates ensures compliance and informed decision-making in Canada's dynamic labour market
