Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada: Navigating High-Wage and Low-Wage Positions

In Canada, the process of hiring a temporary foreign worker (TFW) is determined by the wage you plan to offer, classified into high-wage and low-wage positions based on the provincial or territorial median hourly wages. To hire a TFW, employers must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which varies depending on whether the wage offered is at or above, or below the median hourly wage of the respective province or territory.

Key Points:

For high-wage positions: Apply under the high-wage stream if the wage is at or above the median hourly wage.

For low-wage positions: Use the low-wage stream if the wage is below the median hourly wage.

Median Hourly Wages by Province (as of April 2, 2024):

  • Alberta: $29.50
  • British Columbia: $28.85
  • Manitoba: $25.00

.. [Include others as necessary]

The requirements for each stream are distinct and are designed to ensure that the hiring of TFWs complements the Canadian labour market without negatively impacting local employment opportunities.

For more detailed information on median hourly wages by province or territory and specific requirements for hiring a TFW in Canada, read the full guide on Employment and Social Development Canada.

At NPZ Law Group, our U.S. and Canadian lawyers seek to assist clients with regard to employment and family immigration issues. If you or your friends or family should have any questions about any aspect of U.S. and Canadian Immigration Law, please feel free to contact us at info@visaserve.com or you can call our office at 201-670-0006 (ext 104). We look forward to being able to assist you.