Canada LMIA Prevailing Wage Rates by Province (2026)

Under updated ESDC guidelines, the High-Wage stream threshold is calculated as the Provincial Median Hourly Wage plus 20%. Positions paid at or above this mark qualify for standard processing and a 2-year work permit. Positions paid below this mark fall into the Low-Wage Stream, which is strictly subject to hiring caps (10%–20%) and automatic refusals in metro areas where unemployment reaches 6% or higher.

No. ESDC only counts the guaranteed base hourly wage. Tips, anticipated overtime, performance bonuses, profit sharing, and housing allowances cannot be counted toward satisfying the mandatory prevailing wage rate.

ESDC divides the annual salary by the annual hours (standard 37.5 or 40 hours per week multiplied by 52 weeks = 1,950 or 2,080 hours). For example, a $60,000 salary for 40 hours per week equals $28.85 per hour. If the local median is $30.00/hr, the job offer fails compliance.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) releases updated wage figures annually every autumn. The wage in effect on the exact day your LMIA application is submitted governs your approval.