On This Page You Will Find
- What changed to Canada’s LMIA wage thresholds
- New provincial and territorial wage thresholds
- How the thresholds affect employers
- Differences between the high-wage and low-wage LMIA streams
- Latest LMIA processing times
- Frequently asked questions
New Canada LMIA Wage Thresholds Take Effect From July 17, 2026
Employers hiring foreign workers through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) now face higher wage thresholds across every province and territory.
The new thresholds apply to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications received on or after July 17, 2026. They determine whether a position falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream of the TFWP.
While the increases themselves are relatively modest in many jurisdictions, they could have significant consequences for employers whose offered wages now fall below the revised thresholds.
Those positions will instead be processed under the low-wage stream, bringing stricter rules on recruitment, employment duration and the number of temporary foreign workers employers can hire.
The changes come as employers also face lengthy LMIA processing times, with permanent residence stream applications now averaging more than three months.
Why The Wage Threshold Matters
The TFWP divides applications into two streams based on the hourly wage being offered.
If an employer offers a wage that meets or exceeds the provincial or territorial threshold, the application is assessed under the high-wage stream.
If the offered wage falls below the threshold, the application moves into the low-wage stream.
This distinction is important because the low-wage stream carries additional restrictions designed to encourage employers to hire Canadians before turning to temporary foreign workers.
For some employers, a relatively small increase in the wage threshold may require higher wages simply to remain eligible for the high-wage stream.
New LMIA Wage Thresholds By Province And Territory
The updated wage thresholds are:
| Province or Territory | Previous Threshold | New Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $36.00 | $37.50 |
| British Columbia | $36.60 | $38.40 |
| Manitoba | $30.16 | $31.33 |
| New Brunswick | $30.00 | $31.79 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.20 | $32.40 |
| Northwest Territories | $47.09 | $48.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $30.00 | $31.96 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $45.00 |
| Ontario | $36.00 | $36.92 |
| Prince Edward Island | $30.00 | $31.47 |
| Quebec | $34.62 | $35.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.40 | $33.60 |
| Yukon | $43.20 | $44.40 |
British Columbia saw one of the largest increases, with the threshold rising from $36.60 to $38.40 per hour.
Nunavut experienced the largest dollar increase, climbing from $42.00 to $45.00 per hour.
Ontario’s increase was comparatively modest, rising from $36.00 to $36.92.
What Changes For Employers?
Employers whose wage offers no longer meet the revised thresholds may need to reassess their hiring plans.
Applications that fall into the low-wage stream face several additional requirements, including:
- limits on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers an employer can hire
- stricter recruitment and advertising obligations
- shorter permitted employment periods
- additional transportation and housing obligations in some cases
- greater scrutiny during the LMIA assessment process
For employers operating close to the previous wage thresholds, increasing wages may be the simplest way to remain in the high-wage stream.
Others may need to adjust budgets or recruitment strategies before submitting new LMIA applications.
Processing Delays Add Another Challenge
The higher wage thresholds arrive as employers continue to experience significant processing delays.
According to Service Canada’s latest figures for June 2026, average processing times were:
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | 9 business days |
| Agricultural Stream | 16 business days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 8 business days |
| High-Wage Stream | 79 business days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 71 business days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 99 business days |
The permanent residence stream continues to experience the longest delays, averaging 99 business days.
High-wage applications averaged 79 business days, while low-wage applications averaged 71 business days.
The Global Talent Stream remains a significant exception, with an average processing time of just nine business days.
What Employers Should Do Next
Employers planning to hire foreign workers should review all wage offers before submitting new LMIA applications.
Even employers who have successfully hired under the high-wage stream in the past may find that identical wage offers now fall below the revised thresholds.
Checking the applicable provincial or territorial threshold before applying can help avoid unexpected delays or a move into the more restrictive low-wage stream.
With processing times remaining lengthy for most LMIA streams, ensuring applications are submitted correctly the first time has become increasingly important.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new LMIA wage thresholds take effect?
The revised wage thresholds apply to LMIA applications received on or after July 17, 2026. Employers submitting applications from that date must use the updated provincial or territorial threshold to determine whether a position falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Why are LMIA wage thresholds important?
The wage threshold determines which Temporary Foreign Worker Program stream applies to an application. Jobs paying at or above the threshold qualify for the high-wage stream, while lower-paying positions fall under the low-wage stream, which has additional employer obligations and restrictions.
What happens if a job falls below the new wage threshold?
If the offered wage is below the applicable provincial or territorial threshold, the application will generally be processed under the low-wage stream. Employers may face limits on the number of foreign workers they can hire, additional recruitment requirements and other program conditions.
Which provinces saw the biggest increases?
British Columbia recorded one of the largest increases, with the threshold rising from $36.60 to $38.40 per hour. Nunavut experienced the largest dollar increase overall, climbing from $42.00 to $45.00. Every province and territory saw its threshold increase.
How long are LMIA applications taking to process?
Service Canada’s June 2026 figures show average processing times of 79 business days for high-wage applications, 71 business days for low-wage applications and 99 business days for permanent residence stream LMIAs. The Global Talent Stream remains much faster, averaging nine business days.