07/16/2026
As of July 10, 2026, employers in 8 Canadian cities can now submit low-wage LMIA applications again.
Those cities are Halifax, Fredericton, Saint John, Kingston, St. Catharines-Niagara, Winnipeg, Regina, and Drummondville.
ESDC also updated the provincial wage thresholds on July 17, 2026. These thresholds determine whether your position falls under the Low-Wage or High-Wage LMIA stream.
Ontario is now $36.92 per hour. BC is $38.40. Alberta is $37.50.
If the wage you are offering is below your province’s threshold, your application goes through the Low-Wage stream, which means the 6% unemployment rule applies to your city.
ESDC reviews these rates every 3 months. This window is open until October 8, 2026 only.
Comment LMIA below and our team will reach out.
Toronto: +1 416 989 7788 | Mississauga: +1 905 516 7920 | Kitchener: +1 226 753 5747
www.kgraph.ca