Canada has introduced new rules for low-wage LMIA applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, effective April 1, 2026. These changes mainly impact how employers recruit before hiring foreign workers.
Key Changes
The biggest update is the new 8-week minimum advertising requirement. Employers must now advertise a job for at least 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before applying for an LMIA. Previously, this requirement was only 4 weeks. At least one recruitment method must stay active until a final LMIA decision is made.
Another major change is the mandatory youth-focused recruitment. Employers must now show clear efforts to hire young Canadians before turning to foreign workers. This can include posting on Job Bank’s youth section, working with schools, using youth job boards, or participating in youth employment programs. Proof of these efforts must be kept for up to 6 years.
Low-Wage vs High-Wage LMIA
Whether a job is considered low-wage or high-wage depends on the offered salary compared to the provincial threshold. If the wage is below the threshold, the application falls under the low-wage stream and must follow the new 8-week rule. High-wage positions generally still follow the 4-week advertising requirement.
Additional Employer Obligations
Employers must still:
- Post jobs on Job Bank
- Use at least two other recruitment methods
- Review applications (especially through Direct Apply) within 21 days
- Keep all recruitment records for 6 years
Failing to meet these requirements can lead to fines, LMIA refusal, or bans from hiring foreign workers.
The new LMIA rules make it harder and more time-consuming for employers to hire foreign workers, especially for low-wage roles. The focus is now clearly on giving more opportunities to Canadian workers, particularly youth, before allowing international hiring.
