Provincial Median Wage Updates Impact High Wage LMIA Applications
Date Posted:June 30, 2025
Last Updated:June 30, 2025
Index
On June 27, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the median wage levels across provinces. As a result, employers applying for an LMIA under the High Wage stream will need to offer higher hourly wages than before. This change is crucial for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in Canada and for those looking to secure an LMIA.
What is an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)?
An LMIA is a required approval that Canadian employers must obtain before hiring foreign workers. It demonstrates that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. There are two main categories: High Wage and Low Wage, distinguished by whether the offered hourly wage is above or below the province’s median wage.
What is the High Wage Stream?
The High Wage stream applies when the offered hourly wage is above the province’s median wage. Requirements include:
- Wage: Offered wage must meet or exceed the province’s median wage
- Cap: No limit on the number of high wage foreign workers
- Employment period: Up to 3 years
- Fewer restrictions due to lesser perceived impact on the labor market
Difference from the Low Wage Stream
For the Low Wage stream:
- Wage: Offered wage is at or below the province’s median wage
- Cap: Limited to 10% of the total workforce (0% in high-unemployment regions)
- Employment period: Usually up to 1 year
- More restrictions due to greater perceived impact on the labor market
Changes in Provincial Median Wages
Due to the update, the High Wage stream now requires employers to offer higher wages than before. The new median wages are:
| Province/territory | For LMIAs received before June 27, 2025 | For LMIAs received as of June 27, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $35.40 | $36.00 |
| British Columbia | $34.62 | $36.60 |
| Manitoba | $30.00 | $30.16 |
| New Brunswick | $28.85 | $30.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.20 | $32.40 |
| Northwest Territories | $47.09 | $48.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.80 | $30.00 |
| Nunavut | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Ontario | $34.07 | $36.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $28.80 | $30.00 |
| Quebec | $32.96 | $34.62 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.40 | $33.60 |
| Yukon | $43.20 | $44.40 |
Summary and Contact Information
With these updates, employers must now offer higher wages than before when applying under the High Wage stream. Given the frequent policy changes in work permits and LMIA regulations, feel free to contact Visa JP Canada for su
Related Columns
![[Co-op Work Permit in Canada] How long can you work? Employment conditions and points to be cautious of to avoid illegal employment](https://en.visajpcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Blog-Thumbnail-94.webp)
Related News
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
