On June 27, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the annual median wage thresholds for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), affecting both high‑wage and low‑wage streams. This update impacts LMIA requirements and hiring practices—vital for employers and foreign workers alike as part of Canada PR 2025 planning.
📊 What’s New?
- Revised median wage levels now define the cut-off for high‑wage and low‑wage LMIA streams.
- Employers must now meet or exceed these thresholds to apply under the high‑wage stream.
- The wage update ensures temporary foreign workers are paid comparably—in line with Canadian standards.
🛂 Why It Matters for Employers
- LMIA accuracy: Employers’ wage offers must match the updated data to qualify.
- Program integrity: ESDC uses wage data and compliance checks to ensure program impact is fair.
- Fee structure: LMIA applications are accompanied by the $1,000 fee per foreign worker, excluding exceptions like primary agriculture.
🔄 Impact on Foreign Workers
- Foreign workers must receive wages at or above median levels per stream.
- Inaccurate wage offers can result in refusals or compliance reviews.
- High-wage stream workers can be employed up to 3 years if justified.
✅ Four Compliance Pillars
- Wage offers must align with updated thresholds.
- Employers must demonstrate genuine job offers via LMIA.
- ESDC will enforce compliance through inspections and File Audits.
- TFWP includes ongoing monitoring through Employer Compliance Reviews (ECRs).
🧭 Recommendations for 2025
- Update job offers to reflect the new wage thresholds before submitting LMIA applications.
- Ensure compliance with housing, airfare, and worker protections.
- Consult a licensed Mississauga immigration consultant to optimize LMIA strategy and support potential Canada PR 2025 pathways.
► Stay compliant and competitive under evolving TFWP rules—
book your free assessment today to align your wage offers, LMIA compliance, and Canada PR 2025 goals!