Canada Raises LMIA Wages for Fair Pay in Immigration

By Visa Jobs CanadaJuly 29, 2025Work Visas & LMIA NewsCanadian immigration, LMIA, visa sponsorship, wage thresholds, work permits

What is an LMIA?

If you’re considering working in Canada, understanding the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is crucial. This document assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian job market. Essentially, employers must prove that they can’t fill a position with a local candidate before they can hire from abroad. Recently, Canada has increased wage thresholds under this program, which reflects a commitment to fair pay and supporting the rights of workers.

New Wage Thresholds for Canadian Workers

As of June 27, 2025, Canada will implement higher wage standards for employers seeking to hire foreign workers. These adjustments align wages with living costs across the province and are intended to provide fair compensation.

Here’s a snapshot of the new minimum wage thresholds by province:

Alberta: $36.00 (up from $35.40)
British Columbia: $36.60 (up from $34.62)
Ontario: $36.00 (up from $34.07)
Quebec: $34.62 (up from $32.96)
Northwest Territories: $48.00 (up from $47.09)
Manitoba: $30.16 (up from $30.00)

These increases apply to both high-wage and low-wage LMIA streams, impacting how employers structure their hiring and salary offers.

How Will This Affect Employers?

With these updated thresholds, employers may need to:

Adjust their budgets to account for higher payroll costs, especially in industries heavily reliant on foreign workers, like agriculture and construction.
Reassess which LMIA stream they are using, as some jobs may now require compliance with high-wage regulations even if they previously fell under low-wage classifications.
Revise hiring strategies and consult with immigration experts to ensure they comply with the updated work permit requirements. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the body to keep in mind for updates.

The Upside for Foreign Workers

For those seeking opportunities in Canada, these wage increases bring several benefits:

Higher Earnings: The improved wage structure helps workers manage rising living costs more effectively.
Better Immigration Pathways: High wages make temporary foreign workers more eligible for economic immigration programs like Express Entry, which allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Competitive salaries can help workers support their families and integrate better into Canadian society.

A spokesperson from the IRCC noted, “Raising the LMIA wage thresholds is a vital step to ensure Canada remains a top destination for global talent while safeguarding workers’ rights.”

What This Means for Alberta

Alberta’s new threshold of $36.00 significantly impacts sectors like energy, construction, and technology, which rely heavily on foreign talent. This move not only aligns wages for foreign workers with local wage growth but also helps attract more skilled professionals to the province.

How to Prepare for These Changes

Here are tips for both employers and foreign workers:

For Employers:

Seek guidance from licensed immigration professionals to navigate the compliance changes effectively.
Revamp internal wage policies and ensure job classifications are accurate.
Look into local training opportunities to build a capable workforce and reduce reliance on foreign labour.

For Foreign Workers:

Focus on sectors with high demand, such as technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Consider how higher wages could influence your eligibility for permanent residency.
Stay informed about regional wage requirements and job openings.

If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, our website here at VisaJobsCanada.com focuses specifically on Canadian positions that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. Take advantage of our resources to connect with employers who support your migration journey.

Conclusion

Canada’s increase in LMIA wage thresholds represents a significant step towards fair labour practices and enhancing the appeal of the Canadian job market for international talent. Understanding these changes is essential for both employers and potential workers as they navigate the evolving landscape of work permits and immigration in Canada.