Median Hourly Wage Updated for 2023

The median hourly wage for the Temporary Foreign Worker program will increase for nearly all provinces and territories except for Nunavut and Alberta after May 31st, 2023.

Most provinces and territories will increase their median hourly wage after May 31st, 2023. The exceptions are Alberta, whose median wage will remain the same; and Nunavut whose median wage will decrease by 10¢.

The provincial or territorial median hourly wage is required to be used by employers to know which Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requirements they need to follow. The location of the position will determine if employers need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under either the stream for high-wage or low-wage positions, each with their own requirements. 

Temporary foreign workers being paid at or above the median hourly wage of their province or territory will be considered high wage. On the other hand, those being paid under the media are considered low wage. 

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program? 

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals, to fill provincial and territorial labour needs. A TFWP gives the holder temporary status and the opportunity to gain Canadian Permanent Residency in the future.  Under the TFWP, employers may hire temporary foreign workers through the following streams:

• High-Wage Workers
• Low-Wage Workers
• Global Talent Stream
• Foreign Agricultural Workers
• In-Home Caregivers
• Foreign Academics

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could sometimes be required. An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assessing the impact of hiring a foreign national in Canada. In addition, with skilled occupations, spouses are eligible for work permits making the transition to a new life in Canada easier. 

High-Wage Workers

If an employer wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker who will be paid at or above the median hourly wage of their province or territory then the employer must apply through the TFWP stream for high-wage workers. The first step in this process requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) demonstrating that they were unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

Once an employer is issued a positive LMIA for a high-wage skilled position, they must inform the foreign worker of the LMIA results and notify them that they must apply for their authorization to work in Canada prior to the expiration of the LMIA. Once a high-wage worker receives a positive LMIA from an employer alongside their officially signed employment contract, they may apply for authorization to work in Canada either through a work permit application or a permanent residency application, depending on their eligibility.

Low-Wage Workers

If an employer wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker who will be paid less than the median hourly wage of their province or territory then the employer must apply through the TFWP stream for low-wage workers. The first step in this process requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) demonstrating that they were unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

Employers should note that LMIAs for low-wage workers require employers to meet certain stipulations to ensure the workplace rights and safety of low-wage non-resident workers. Once an employer is issued a positive LMIA for a low-wage skilled position, they must inform the foreign worker of the LMIA results and notify them that they must apply for their authorization to work in Canada prior to the expiration of the LMIA.

Once a low-wage worker receives a positive LMIA from an employer alongside their officially signed employment contract, they may apply for authorization to work in Canada either through a work permit application or a permanent residency application, depending on their eligibility.

If you are interested in learning more about immigrating to Canada or would like to see if you meet eligibility requirements, take our free online assessment to learn more!