{"id":34442,"date":"2026-03-13T09:08:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T13:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immetis.com\/low-wage-positions-how-to-hire-a-temporary-foreign-worker-in-quebec\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T11:25:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T15:25:32","slug":"low-wage-positions-how-to-hire-a-temporary-foreign-worker-in-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immetis.com\/en\/low-wage-positions-how-to-hire-a-temporary-foreign-worker-in-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"Low\u2011wage positions: how to hire a temporary foreign worker in Quebec?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the face of persistent labour shortages across several sectors, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) remains a key mechanism for meeting certain operational needs. However, the low\u2011wage stream is subject to strict rules at both the federal and provincial levels. Employers must therefore navigate these requirements carefully in order to continue meeting their recruitment needs while remaining compliant.<\/p>\n\n

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What is a low\u2011wage position?<\/h2>\n\n
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Under the TFWP, a position is considered “low wage” when the hourly wage offered is below the provincial or territorial median wage threshold. In Qu\u00e9bec, this threshold is set at $34.62\/hour. In Ontario, it is $36.00\/hour.<\/p>\n\n

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This classification determines whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)<\/strong> application must be submitted under the high\u2011wage or low\u2011wage stream. The wage level also dictates the employer\u2019s compliance obligations.<\/p>\n\n

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If the wage offered is below the median threshold, the employer must apply under the low\u2011wage stream, and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n

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Periodic increases in wage thresholds are reclassifying an increasing number of positions into the low\u2011wage stream, which impacts the renewal of work permits associated with an LMIA.<\/p>\n\n

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The LMIA: a mandatory step for low\u2011wage positions<\/h2>\n\n
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To hire a temporary foreign worker under the low\u2011wage stream, the employer must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA.<\/p>\n\n

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The employer must demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. As part of this process, the employer must prove local recruitment efforts, including job advertising for at least 30 consecutive days<\/strong> within the three months<\/strong> preceding the LMIA application, and continue recruitment throughout the LMIA processing period.<\/p>\n\n

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In Quebec, the employer must also include a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)<\/strong> with the LMIA application. Applications are submitted simultaneously to the Minist\u00e8re de l\u2019Immigration, de la Francisation et de l\u2019Int\u00e9gration (MIFI)<\/strong> and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

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General obligations imposed on employers<\/h2>\n\n
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To hire a low\u2011wage Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW)<\/strong>, employers must comply with several general requirements:<\/p>\n\n

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