Healthcare Hiring in 2025: Understanding LMIA Barriers and Solutions
1. First things first: What is an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the federal permission slip employers need to hire someone from outside Canada. Service Canada checks that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available. A “yes” lets you move on to the work‑permit stage; a “no” stops the process.
2. Why do we talk about “low‑wage” jobs
If you pay less than the median hourly wage in your province or territory, your job falls into the low‑wage stream. That covers most Healthcare Aides, Personal Support Workers, many hospitality roles, and farm jobs.
3. The 6 % rule (and why it can block your LMIA)
Since 26 September 2024, Service Canada refuses to process low‑wage LMIAs in any city region where the unemployment rate is 6 % or higher. Healthcare and construction employers still get a small break—they can have up to 20 % of their staff on work permits—but they are not exempt.
4. Where do Ontario’s major city regions stand?
City / Region | Unemployment (Apr 2025) | Over 6 %? | What happens to low‑wage LMIA? |
|---|---|---|---|
Toronto | 8.6 % | Yes | Service Canada says “no” |
Hamilton | 7.4 % | Yes | Service Canada says “no” |
Kingston | 7.2 % | Yes | Service Canada says “no” |
Barrie | 5.6 % | No | Application allowed but closely examined |
*StatCan, Labour Force Survey, three‑month moving average.*¹
Heads‑up: May numbers land on 6 June 2025. If a city dips below 6 %, the door reopens—until the next update.
Typical wages for Healthcare Aides / PSWs
City / Region | Low | Median | High | Source year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto | $18.00 | $22.00 | $27.30 | 2022‑23 |
Hamilton–Niagara | $18.54 | $23.00 | $27.59 | 2022‑23 |
Kingston–Pembroke | $18.00 | $24.00 | $31.00 | 2022‑23 |
K‑W‑Barrie | $18.00 | $22.33 | $27.00 | 2022‑23 |
Ontario | $18.00 | $22.50 | $28.00 | 2022‑23 |
Canada | $17.79 | $23.00 | $27.46 | 2022‑23 |
Tip: Pay at least the median wage and your file moves into the high‑wage stream, so the 6 % unemployment rule no longer blocks you (the 20 % staffing cap still applies in healthcare).
5. How long will you wait?
Stream | Service Canada’s posted average | Longest delays we’ve seen |
|---|---|---|
Low‑wage | 61 business days | Up to 165 business days |
*Service Canada processing‑time dashboard (14 May 2025) and Reuters report (21 Apr 2025).*²
After an LMIA approval, an in‑Canada work permit usually takes about 30 business days. Overseas processing varies. Budget 4–8 months from first job ad to the employee’s first shift—if your city is under 6 % unemployment.
6. How Axima Healthcare keeps things moving
- We track unemployment numbers the minute StatCan releases them.
- We time your application—submitting the day a city slips under 6 %.
- Healthcare know‑how: Even with the 20 % cap, we can often structure staffing to keep your floor covered.
- Plan B options: Provincial Nominee Programs, International Mobility Program exemptions or hiring in a city that currently qualifies.
7. Quick checklist for employers
- Check your city’s unemployment rate before you start recruiting.
- Advertise for at least 4 weeks on three platforms and keep screenshots.
- Pay at least the median wage to avoid the low‑wage stream if you can.
- Keep pre‑screened candidates on standby so you can file fast.
8. Key takeaways
- A 6 % unemployment rate is the magic (sometimes painful) cut‑off.
- Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston are above the line; Barrie is below—for now.
- Even when allowed, a low‑wage LMIA can take 2–3 months, plus work‑permit time.
- Smart timing and flexible plans save headaches.
Need help? Email info@aximahealth.com or call 1‑833‑657‑3496 x 107.
References:
- Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, April 2025.
- Service Canada, LMIA Processing Times (14 May 2025); Reuters, 21 Apr 2025.
- Service Canada, Refusal to Process Low‑Wage LMIA Applications (May 2025).
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Work Permit – After You Apply (30 May 2025).
