Canada raises wage thresholds for TFWP work permits - CIC News
The Canadian government has announced an update to the wage thresholds for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This change was announced on July 17, 2026. The new wage thresholds will take effect immediately.
This update matters because it reflects the changing labour market conditions in Canada. Previously, the wage thresholds were lower, and this change aims to ensure that foreign workers are paid a wage that is comparable to what Canadian workers would earn in the same position. The TFWP has undergone several changes in recent years, with a focus on protecting the rights of foreign workers and ensuring that they are not exploited. This latest update is part of the government's ongoing efforts to improve the program and make it more responsive to the needs of the Canadian labour market. Historically, the TFWP has been an important part of Canada's immigration policy, allowing employers to hire foreign workers to fill labour shortages in certain sectors.
The specific mechanics of the updated wage thresholds are as follows: the new thresholds will apply to all TFWP work permits, and employers will be required to pay foreign workers at or above the new threshold. The exact dollar amounts of the new thresholds have not been specified, but they will be based on the prevailing wage rates for each occupation. Employers will need to ensure that they are paying their foreign workers the correct wage rate, and they will need to provide documentation to support their application. The updated thresholds will also take into account the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, which are used to classify occupations in the Canadian labour market.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has stated that "employers must pay the prevailing wage" to foreign workers.
The updated wage thresholds will affect a range of applicant types, including foreign workers who are applying for a TFWP work permit, as well as employers who are hiring foreign workers. In particular, this change will impact workers from countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, and India, who are among the top source countries for temporary foreign workers in Canada. Employers in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare will also be affected, as they often rely on foreign workers to fill labour shortages.
For readers who are affected by this change, the practical next step is to check the updated wage thresholds and ensure that they are paying their foreign workers the correct wage rate. Employers should also review their TFWP applications to ensure that they are compliant with the new thresholds. The official government website has more information on the updated wage thresholds and how they will be implemented. It is recommended that readers check this website regularly for updates and to ensure that they are meeting the new requirements.