Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Program
Low-Wage Stream
The LMIA stream for jobs paid below the provincial or territorial wage threshold, with added restrictions.
Overview
The low-wage stream applies when the wage offered is below the threshold for the province or territory. It comes with extra obligations for employers, such as paying round-trip transportation, making sure suitable and affordable housing is available, and providing health coverage until provincial coverage begins where applicable.
The stream has been tightened since 2024. There's a cap on the share of low-wage temporary foreign workers at each work location, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) won't process low-wage applications for work locations in census metropolitan areas with higher unemployment outside certain exempt sectors, and the maximum employment duration is currently one year. Exemptions and regional adjustments change often, so we check the policy in effect before an employer starts recruiting.
Who may consider this: Employers hiring a foreign worker for a position paid below the wage threshold who can meet the stream's extra obligations.
Eligibility Considerations
- A work location outside the current refusal-to-process areas, or a position in an exempt sector
- Room under the cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers at that location
- Recruitment on Job Bank plus other methods aimed at underrepresented groups
- Round-trip transportation paid by the employer, and suitable, affordable housing available
- Health coverage for the worker until provincial coverage begins, where applicable
- At least the prevailing wage for the occupation and region
How It Works
Policy Check
We check the current refusal-to-process list, cap rules and sector exemptions for the work location.
Cap Calculation
We confirm how many low-wage temporary foreign workers the location can have under the current cap.
Recruitment
We plan Job Bank advertising and outreach to underrepresented groups that meets ESDC's rules.
Housing & Transportation
We help the employer document housing arrangements and transportation commitments.
Application & Submission
The LMIA application is prepared and submitted to ESDC with full supporting evidence.
Decision & Work Permit
With a positive LMIA, the worker applies to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit for the approved period.
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.
- Proof of recruitment, including Job Bank and outreach to underrepresented groups
- Workforce information used to calculate the low-wage cap
- Housing details, or proof that suitable and affordable housing is available
- Signed employment contract covering wage, duties, transportation and health coverage
- Business legitimacy documents
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Applying for a work location where low-wage applications currently aren't processed
- Miscounting the workforce when calculating the cap
- Housing that doesn't meet ESDC's suitability or affordability standards
- Recruitment that doesn't reach the required underrepresented groups
How We Help
- Check refusal-to-process areas, caps and exemptions before you invest in recruitment
- Help calculate the cap and document the employer's workforce
- Prepare the contract and evidence for transportation, housing and health coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refusal-to-process policy?+
ESDC currently won't process low-wage LMIA applications for work locations in census metropolitan areas where unemployment is at or above a set rate, with exemptions for certain sectors. The list of affected areas is updated every three months.
How long can a low-wage worker be hired for?+
The maximum employment duration for low-wage positions is currently one year, and it must match the employer's genuine need. Continuing the job after that usually requires a new LMIA.
Does the employer have to provide housing?+
The employer must provide housing or make sure suitable, affordable housing is available. The employer also pays round-trip transportation and can't recover that cost from the worker.
Are these restrictions permanent?+
Not necessarily. Several were introduced as temporary measures and are reviewed regularly, so we confirm the policy in effect before each application.
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.