09/10/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT LMIA UPDATE – OCTOBER 9, 2026 🇨🇦
📢 New Unemployment Rates Released for LMIA Applications!
The Government of Canada has updated the unemployment rates affecting the processing of Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, effective October 9, 2026, to January 7, 2027.
⚠️ What Does This Mean for Employers?
Under the current rules, low-wage LMIA applications will generally not be processed in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, subject to applicable exemptions.
📍 GOOD NEWS FOR KAMLOOPS! 🎉
The unemployment rate for Kamloops has dropped from 7.0% to 3.6%.
✅ Kamloops is no longer subject to this particular low-wage LMIA processing restriction based on the 6% unemployment threshold.
🚨 Cities Still Affected Include:
• Vancouver, BC
• Kelowna, BC
• Abbotsford–Mission, BC
• Edmonton, AB
• Calgary, AB
• London, ON
• Windsor, ON
• Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, ON
• Guelph, ON
• Halifax, NS
• Regina, SK
• Saskatoon, SK
• And other affected metropolitan areas.
📅 Effective Period: October 9, 2026 – January 7, 2027.
⚠️ Important: A city falling below the 6% threshold does not automatically guarantee LMIA approval. Employers must still meet all applicable program requirements, and other restrictions may apply.
📌 Employers and foreign workers should review the updated rules before making decisions about hiring or work permit applications.
🇨🇦 Need professional guidance with your Canadian immigration plans?
The Ninth House Immigration
📞 +1 778-919-0026
🌐 www.TheNinthHouseImmigration.com
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