High-Wage LMIA

The High-Wage Stream applies where the wage offered on the LMIA application is at or above the applicable provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold. The government updated these thresholds effective July 17, 2026. A higher offered wage alone is not enough: the employer must also satisfy the stream’s prevailing-wage and other requirements.

High-Wage LMIA requirements in Canada

• Full-time employment of at least 30 hours per week
• Applicable provincial or territorial high-wage threshold
• Prevailing wage for the occupation and work location
• Business legitimacy and genuine employment need
• Required recruitment and advertising
• Transition plan, unless a recognized exemption applies
• Employment agreement, workplace safety and other program conditions

High-wage threshold and prevailing wage

For applications received from July 17, 2026, ESDC lists Ontario's high-wage threshold as $36.92 per hour. The threshold determines the stream; it is not a universal wage for every occupation. The offered wage must also satisfy the applicable prevailing-wage rules. Check the current provincial and territorial threshold table for the work location and application date.

Recruitment

ESDC generally requires three recruitment activities: Job Bank, unless an alternative is justified, and two occupation-appropriate methods. At least one additional method must be national in scope. Online methods must offer distinct value and audiences.

• Run advertising for at least four consecutive weeks within the three months before submission.
• Keep at least one recruitment activity running until the LMIA decision.
• Keep recruitment records for at least six years.
• Review Job Match invitations and Direct Apply applications as required.

Confirm any applicable variations against ESDC's high-wage program requirements.

Transition plan

A transition plan describes the activities the employer will undertake to recruit, retain and train Canadians and permanent residents and reduce reliance on the TFWP. Commitments should be realistic because prior transition-plan activities may be reviewed in a later LMIA.

High-Wage LMIA Guides

Employers preparing this stream should also review High-Wage LMIA Transition Plans and the LMIA Business Legitimacy Documents Checklist.

Employment duration

For high-wage positions, an employer may request an employment duration of up to three years. The requested duration must be reasonable for the employer’s actual employment need; longer periods are exceptional and require adequate rationale.

Employer file preparation checklist

Before your consultation, organize the job description and offer, wage analysis, dated advertisements, applicant results, business records and any earlier transition-plan commitments. Keep a single recruitment chronology so inconsistent dates or missing responses can be identified.

For the supporting file, use our business legitimacy document checklist and transition-plan guide. They should be read with the current ESDC instructions.

Reviewed October 25, 2026. General information only. Requirements and exceptions depend on the position, employer, location and application date.