published on 7 May 2026 @ 1:23 pm · COMMENT

Canada Tightens LMIA Recruitment Rules With Longer Advertising and Youth Hiring Focus

As of April 1, 2026, Canada has introduced stricter recruitment requirements for employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The changes are intended to strengthen domestic hiring efforts before foreign workers are considered.

Employers must now advertise positions for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks, doubling the previous requirement. This advertising must still take place within the three months prior to submitting an LMIA application, and at least one recruitment activity must remain ongoing until a decision is issued.

In addition, employers are now required to demonstrate specific efforts to recruit youth before hiring a foreign worker. This includes targeted outreach through youth-focused job boards, educational institutions, government youth employment programs, and other platforms commonly used by younger job seekers.

The updated rules reflect a broader emphasis on ensuring Canadian youth are fully considered in labour market participation, while extending the overall recruitment timeline for employers relying on the TFWP low-wage stream.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE