Finally, good news for employers and low-wage workers!

Restoring efficiency and predictability for businesses

Effective November 6, 2026, changes to the Low-wage Stream of the Program include:

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications submitted on or after this date will have a maximum duration of up to two years, an increase from the current one-year duration;
Currently, LMIA applications are not processed in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, with exceptions for priority sectors that include healthcare, construction, and food processing. On November 6, 2026, early childhood educators will be added to the list of exceptions to further respond to ongoing labour needs across the country