Canada raises wage thresholds for TFWP work permits
The Canadian government has introduced changes to the wage thresholds for the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), effective July 17, 2026. Employers in high-unemployment regions can no longer initiate new hiring or renew existing TFWP work permits for roles paying less than the new thresholds. These thresholds vary by province and territory, with a range of $31.20 to $48.00 per hour.
The Canadian federal government updated the wage thresholds to reflect current labor market conditions. The new thresholds are set at 120% of the median wage for each province or territory. This change affects employers and foreign workers in high-unemployment regions, who must ensure they meet the new wage requirements to initiate new hiring or renew existing work permits.
what changed with the tfwp
The wage thresholds for the low-wage stream of the TFWP have increased. For instance, Alberta's threshold is now $37.50 per hour, up from $36.00, while British Columbia's is $38.40 per hour, up from $36.60. Other provinces and territories have also seen adjustments: Manitoba's threshold is $31.33 per hour, New Brunswick's is $31.73 per hour, and Newfoundland and Labrador's is $33.60 per hour. The Northwest Territories' threshold remains at $48.00 per hour, with no change.
Nova Scotia's threshold is $31.96 per hour, Nunavut's is $45.00 per hour, Ontario's is $36.92 per hour, Prince Edward Island's is $31.20 per hour, Quebec's is $36.00 per hour, Saskatchewan's is $34.62 per hour, and Yukon's is $45.60 per hour. These changes are significant for employers and foreign workers, as they must adapt to the new wage requirements.
who is affected by the new thresholds
Employers and foreign workers in high-unemployment regions are impacted by the new wage thresholds. To comply, employers must pay their foreign workers at or above the new thresholds for new hiring or renewing existing work permits. Foreign workers currently in Canada on a TFWP work permit may also be affected if their employer cannot meet the new wage thresholds. This could lead to a shift in the labor market, as employers may need to reassess their hiring practices.
applying for a work permit in canada
Applicants interested in working in Canada can apply for a work permit through the TFWP or other programs, such as the International Mobility Program. To apply, they must meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application through the IRCC website. The process can be complex, so it's essential to carefully review the requirements and follow the instructions.
differences between low-wage and high-wage work permits
The primary difference between low-wage and high-wage work permits lies in the wage threshold. Low-wage work permits are for jobs paying below the median wage for the occupation, while high-wage work permits are for jobs paying at or above the median wage. Employers hiring foreign workers through the low-wage stream of the TFWP are subject to additional requirements, including a 10% cap on the proportion of workers hired through the program. Understanding these differences is crucial for employers and applicants navigating the immigration process.
For more information on the TFWP and other Canadian immigration programs, visit the IRCC website or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. You can also check the processing times for different programs and calculate your CRS score to determine your eligibility for Express Entry.
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.