New Restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to Address Misuse
Published on: Aug. 26, 2024
The Government of Canada is tightening rules on the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program to reduce misuse and ensure it is only used when necessary. Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault, the changes will take effect on September 26, 2024.
Key updates include:
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs): The government will no longer process LMIAs for low-wage positions in metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, except in food security sectors (agriculture, food processing, fish processing), construction, and healthcare.
Workforce Limits: Employers can only hire up to 10% of their workforce through the TFW Program, a reduction from previous limits, with exceptions for the same sectors as above.
Employment Duration: The maximum employment term for low-wage TFWs will be reduced to one year, down from two.
These measures aim to ensure Canadian employers prioritize hiring local workers and invest in training and development for their current employees. The government will review the program further in the coming months and may make additional adjustments to the High-Wage Stream and other LMIA applications.