Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Program
High-Wage Stream
The LMIA stream for jobs paid at or above the wage threshold for the province or territory.
Overview
The high-wage stream applies when the wage offered is at or above the threshold Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) sets for the province or territory where the job is located. The threshold is currently set above the median hourly wage and is updated periodically, so we check the current figure before the job offer is finalized.
Employers must recruit Canadians and permanent residents first, pay at least the prevailing wage, and submit a transition plan showing how they'll reduce their reliance on temporary foreign workers over time.
Who may consider this: Employers hiring a foreign worker for a position paid at or above the provincial or territorial wage threshold.
Eligibility Considerations
- A wage at or above the current provincial or territorial threshold, and at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and region
- Recruitment that meets ESDC's rules, including Job Bank and other methods, at least one with national reach
- A transition plan, unless an ESDC exemption applies
- A full-time position that meets ESDC's minimum weekly hours
- A legitimate business with a genuine need for the role
How It Works
Wage Check
We compare the offered wage with the current threshold and the prevailing wage for the occupation and region.
Recruitment Plan
We map out advertising and recruitment before it starts, so it meets ESDC's rules and timeframes.
Transition Plan
We help the employer set realistic activities to recruit, retain and train Canadians and permanent residents.
Application & Submission
The LMIA application is prepared with business, recruitment and job offer evidence and submitted to ESDC.
ESDC Review
ESDC assesses the application and may contact the employer with questions; we help prepare the answers.
Decision & Work Permit
With a positive LMIA, the worker applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Job Bank posting and proof of other recruitment activities
- Record of Canadian and permanent resident applicants and why they weren't hired
- Transition plan, plus results from any earlier plan for the same position and location
- Signed job offer showing the wage, duties and hours
- Business legitimacy documents, such as financial statements or tax records
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Relying on an outdated wage threshold or prevailing wage
- Advertising that runs too briefly, too early or on the wrong platforms
- Vague transition plan commitments, or earlier commitments that weren't met
- Job duties that don't match the occupation code used
How We Help
- Confirm the job falls in the high-wage stream at the current threshold
- Plan compliant recruitment before advertising begins
- Draft a practical transition plan the employer can actually deliver
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ESDC decide if a job is high-wage?+
It compares the offered wage with a threshold set for each province and territory. The figures are updated periodically, so we always check the current table.
Is a transition plan always required?+
It's required for most high-wage positions, with limited exemptions set by ESDC. If you've filed one before for the same position and location, you'll also report on how those commitments went.
What obligations does the employer take on?+
Among others: paying the agreed wage for all hours worked, providing workplace safety coverage where required, arranging health coverage until provincial coverage starts where applicable, and keeping the workplace free of abuse.
Can the worker change employers later?+
Not freely. The work permit is tied to the employer, so a change usually needs a new LMIA or exemption and a new work permit.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.