Canada Raises LMIA Wage Thresholds for Temporary Foreign Workers - Effective June 27, 2025
Updated On
-
Copy link
In the latest update for employers and foreign workers, the Canadian government has announced an increase in minimum wage thresholds under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Canada program, starting from June 27, 2025.
This change directly affects those under the temporary foreign worker programme aiming And aims to better align wages with the country's inflation, rising living expenses and fair labour practises.
Changing LMIA Wage Thresholds From June 27, 2025
The LMIA process is used to evaluate the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian labour market, classifying roles into:
- High Wage stream: Positions at or above the provision or territorial median wage
- Low Wage Stream: Position below the wage threshold
Starting June 27, 2025 new thresholds will apply to LMIA applications, which increase varyingly across provinces to better reflect regional living costs and economic realities.
| Province/Territory | After June 27, 2025 | Before June 27, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $36.00 | $35.40 |
| British Columbia | $36.60 | $34.62 |
| Manitoba | $30.16 | $30.00 |
| New Brunswick | $30.00 | $28.85 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $32.40 | $31.20 |
| Northwest Territories | $48.00 | $47.09 |
| Nova Scotia | $30.00 | $28.80 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Ontario | $36.00 | $34.07 |
| Prince Edward Island | $30.00 | $28.80 |
| Quebec | $34.62 | $32.96 |
| Saskatchewan | $33.60 | $32.40 |
| Yukon | $44.40 | $43.20 |
Also Read: Canada Ranks 7th in Global Work-Life Balance, Says Report
Regional Impact of the New LMIA Wage Thresholds
The overview of the regional impacts of the new LMIA Canada wage thresholds include:
- British Columbia: A CAD 1.98 increase may significantly impact employers in Vancouver’s expensive market
- Ontario: The CAD 1.93 rise affects high-demand sectors such as tech, finance, and healthcare
- Alberta: The modest increment will influence hiring in the construction, energy, and IT sectors
- Quebec: With the CAD 1.66 hike, the province faces additional complexities due to language requirements
- Northwest Territories and Nunavut: High thresholds reflect elevated costs in remote areas
Read Next: IRCC Releases Canada’s Immigration Plan for 2025-2026
How to Navigate the LMIA Changes?
Navigating the changes for employers:
- Reassess compensation packages to meet new thresholds
- Consult immigration experts to maintain compliance
- Consider training Canadian workers to reduce TFW reliance
Navigating the changes for foreign workers:
- Focus on high demand jobs in healthcare, IT, and skilled trades
- Explore immigration routes that reward higher wages
- Be informed about the regional differences in wage thresholds
How GetGIS Ensures Your Timely Canada Immigration?
The LMIA wage update is effective from June 27, 2025. This highlights Canada's commitment to fair pay and sustainable workforce development. While this move strengthens protection for foreign workers, it also calls for strategic adaptation for employers.
Need help navigating these changes? Connect with GetGIS. Our experts simplify your Canada immigration process so that you can focus on growth and opportunity
Also Read:
