Wage data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey is used to inform the administration of the TFW Program. Each year, the data on provincial and territorial median wages is used to determine whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application falls under the Low-Wage or High-Wage Stream. Employers must submit their application under the stream for low-wage positions if they offer a wage that is below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage for the position requested in the LMIA. Alternatively they should submit their application under the stream for high-wage positions if the wage offered is at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
As a reminder, each TFW Program stream holds specific requirements and responsibilities for employers, such as recruitment efforts, working conditions, employment duration, provision of housing and transportation, and worker protections. These requirements are designed to recognize the labour market impacts of hiring temporary foreign workers in certain occupations and industries.
The updated median hourly wages by province and territory for 2024 are now available online and are effective as of today, April 2, 2024. On or after this date, employers must ensure that they submit their LMIA application under the appropriate stream, using the updated median hourly wage, and also ensure that they comply with the requirements specific to the applicable Program stream. It is important to note that the LMIA Online Portal will be updated automatically as of April 2, 2024.
You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners who may need to be aware of this information.
If you have questions about the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre.