Most employers who want to hire a temporary foreign worker first need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The rules depend heavily on the wage you offer — and several requirements tightened over the past two years.
Which stream applies?
ESDC compares the offered wage to the provincial median hourly wage plus 20%. In British Columbia, the threshold is $38.40 per hour (as of July 17, 2026).
- At or above the threshold: high-wage stream.
- Below the threshold: low-wage stream.
Offering a higher wage alone is not enough — it must also match the prevailing wage for the occupation and what Canadians in similar roles earn.
Recruitment requirements
- High-wage: advertise for at least 4 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before applying, using at least three methods, including Job Bank and one national in scope. A transition plan is generally required.
- Low-wage: advertise for at least 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before applying, using Job Bank plus at least two methods that target under-represented groups.
Additional limits on low-wage positions
- Cap: generally no more than 10% of your workforce at a location can be low-wage temporary foreign workers (20% in certain sectors such as construction, food manufacturing, hospitals and nursing care).
- Unemployment rule: ESDC does not process low-wage LMIAs for positions in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, unless an exemption applies. Check your location before you start recruiting.
Fees
The processing fee is $1,000 per position. It is non-refundable and cannot be paid by, or recovered from, the worker.
Practical tips for small businesses
- Keep complete records of every advertisement, application received and reason a candidate was not hired.
- Confirm the wage stream and your city’s eligibility before you begin the 4- or 8-week advertising period.
- Remember the worker still needs to apply for an employer-specific work permit after the LMIA is approved.
This article is general information based on Government of Canada guidance as of September 2026, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; please confirm current requirements or book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Sources
- High-wage or low-wage position — Government of Canada
- Program requirements for high-wage positions — Government of Canada
- Program requirements for low-wage positions — Government of Canada
