Current LMIA Rules in 2026: Latest Updates

Current LMIA Rules

Service Canada has tightened the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to give priority to Canadian workers, prevent misuse, and align with Canada’s lower immigration targets.

LMIA Validity reduced

LMIA validity has been reduced from 18 months to just 6 months, which means employers have a shorter time to hire foreign workers. Low-wage jobs are now limited to one-year contracts, and companies can hire only up to 10% of their workforce under the low-wage stream. Primary agriculture employers must now advertise jobs for at least four weeks, as earlier exemptions have been removed. New sector-specific work permits for agriculture and fish processing allow up to two years of work and limited movement between employers. To stop fake job offers, Service Canada has introduced stricter documentation, digital checks, and rules that may allow limited wage deductions for housing and transport.

Wage and Processing Changes

High-wage thresholds have increased to match updated provincial averages (for example, around $36 per hour in Ontario and British Columbia). Faster processing is being directed toward priority sectors like technology and healthcare. For low-wage roles, unemployment rates will now be reviewed every quarter until January 2026, and LMIA approvals will not be allowed in areas where unemployment is above 6%.

Trust Cosmic Law Office (https://www.trustcosmiclawoffice.ca/) guides you through the latest LMIA rules and handles your application efficiently, backed by extensive experience and proven expertise in this sector.