How to Apply for Canada’s High-Wage Stream for Foreign Workers

Canada’s High-Wage Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) provides an opportunity for skilled foreign workers to obtain employment in high-paying occupations where Canadian employers face labor shortages. This program is specifically designed to allow businesses to hire foreign workers for positions that pay above the provincial/territorial median hourly wage.

The High-Wage Stream is an excellent option for professionals and tradespeople seeking work in Canada, as it offers a structured pathway for obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and securing a Canadian work permit.

This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of the eligibility requirements, application process, required documentation, employer responsibilities, and essential tips for successfully applying under Canada’s High-Wage Stream for Foreign Workers.

What Is Canada’s High-Wage Stream?

The High-Wage Stream is part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows employers to hire foreign nationals when there is a proven shortage of Canadian workers.

Under this stream:

• Foreign workers must be paid at or above the median hourly wage for the province or territory where they will be employed.
• Employers must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.

The High-Wage Stream differs from the Low-Wage Stream, which applies to jobs paying below the median wage and has stricter limits on the number of foreign workers a business can employ.

Benefits of the High-Wage Stream

1. Faster Processing for Some Jobs – Eligible positions under the Global Talent Stream (GTS) can benefit from expedited LMIA processing in two weeks.
2. Higher Salaries – The program ensures foreign workers receive competitive wages in line with Canadian standards.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency – Many occupations in this stream qualify for Express Entry, allowing foreign workers to transition to permanent residency.
4. Family Sponsorship – Workers can bring spouses and children, who may also be eligible for open work permits and study permits.

Who Is Eligible for the High-Wage Stream?

1. Employer Eligibility

Employers hiring under the High-Wage Stream must:

• Offer a wage equal to or higher than the median wage in their province/territory.
• Submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
• Develop a transition plan to show efforts to recruit Canadians/permanent residents before hiring a foreign worker.

2. Worker Eligibility

Foreign workers must meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Possess the necessary skills and experience for the position.
• Meet the language proficiency requirements (English or French).
• Obtain a work permit after securing an LMIA-approved job.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the High-Wage Stream

The process involves several steps that both employers and foreign workers must complete to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws.

Step 1: Employer Submits LMIA Application

Before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit, the Canadian employer must obtain an LMIA.

What Is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that proves:

• There is no available Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job.
• Hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

Documents Required for LMIA

Employers must submit:

• Job Offer Letter outlining the role, wage, and job duties.
• Proof of Recruitment Efforts to show they attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first.
• Transition Plan detailing how they will reduce reliance on foreign workers over time.
• Wage Assessment to confirm that the offered salary meets or exceeds the median hourly wage in the province/territory.

Processing Time for LMIA

• Standard processing time: 8–12 weeks.
• Expedited processing: Certain jobs under the Global Talent Stream can be processed within 2 weeks.

Step 2: Employer Provides LMIA-Approved Job Offer

If the LMIA is approved, the employer will receive an approval letter, which the foreign worker will need for their work permit application.

Step 3: Foreign Worker Applies for a Work Permit

Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker must apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Documents Required for a Work Permit

• Valid Passport (with at least six months’ validity).
• LMIA Approval Letter from the employer.
• Job Offer Letter detailing employment conditions.
• Educational Credentials (degree/diploma if required).
• Proof of Work Experience (resume, reference letters, or employment records).
• Medical Examination (for jobs in healthcare, childcare, or food processing).
• Police Clearance Certificate (for security background checks).

Work Permit Processing Time

• Processing times vary by country but typically take 4–12 weeks.
• Some applicants may qualify for priority processing through the Global Skills Strategy.

Step 4: Travel to Canada and Begin Work

Once the work permit is approved, the worker can:

• Travel to Canada and show their work permit approval letter to Canadian immigration officials at the port of entry.
• Begin working for the employer listed on the LMIA-approved job offer.

Key Responsibilities for Employers Under the High-Wage Stream

Employers hiring under the High-Wage Stream must comply with strict regulations to ensure foreign workers are treated fairly.

1. Wage and Benefits Compliance

• Employers must pay the advertised wage and ensure it is at or above the median wage for the region.

2. Reporting and Monitoring

• Employers may be subject to random inspections by ESDC to ensure compliance.
• They must keep records of recruitment efforts and proof of wages paid to the worker.

3. Workplace Protections

• Employers must provide safe working conditions and cannot charge recruitment fees to foreign workers.

Pathways to Permanent Residency for High-Wage Workers

The High-Wage Stream can also lead to permanent residency in Canada. Many foreign workers use this program to qualify for Express Entry and other PR pathways.

1. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class)

• Workers in skilled jobs (NOC 0, A, B) may qualify for Express Entry after gaining Canadian work experience.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Several provinces offer PNPs for foreign workers with high-wage jobs.
• Some PNPs provide fast-track processing for workers in in-demand industries.

3. Global Talent Stream to PR

• Workers in technology and STEM fields can transition from the Global Talent Stream to permanent residency under Express Entry.

Tips for a Successful High-Wage Stream Application

1. Ensure the Job Offer Meets the Median Wage Requirement
   • Use official wage data to confirm the offered salary meets the provincial standard.
2. Submit a Strong LMIA Application
   • Employers should provide detailed documentation to support their recruitment efforts.
3. Check Work Permit Processing Times
   • Foreign workers should apply as soon as they receive the LMIA approval to avoid delays.
4. Consider Express Entry Options Early
   • Workers should explore PR pathways before arriving in Canada to maximize their chances.
5. Seek Professional Assistance If Needed
   • Employers and workers can consult immigration lawyers or consultants for complex applications.

Conclusion

Canada’s High-Wage Stream offers skilled foreign workers an excellent opportunity to work in high-paying jobs while providing employers with much-needed talent. By following the eligibility requirements, LMIA process, and work permit application steps, foreign professionals can successfully secure employment and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada.

By preparing thorough documentation and meeting wage requirements, both employers and workers can maximize their chances of approval under the High-Wage Stream.