The TFW program has unexpectedly changed 2024

The government has decided to tighten regulations on the Temporary Foreign Worker program due to misuse. Starting from September 26, 2024, several changes will be implemented:

– LMIA for Low-Wage Jobs: The government will refuse to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage jobs in areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. Exceptions will be granted for jobs in food security, construction, and healthcare sectors. (the list of regions and their unemployment rates according to Statistics Canada will be attached below.)

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410035401

– Percentage of TFWs a Company Can Hire: Employers will be allowed to hire no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW program, except for certain industries.

– Maximum Employment Duration: The maximum employment duration for workers hired under the Low-Wage stream will be reduced to 1 year.

Within the next 90 days, the Canadian government will continue to monitor the job market and make adjustments to the program accordingly. The goal is to ensure that only companies with genuine needs for foreign workers are allowed to hire.

There may be significant changes, such as alterations to the regulations for hiring workers under the High-Wage Stream or rejections of employment applications in certain industries, even in rural areas.

Those who are planning to submit applications for the TFW program should carefully consider these factors before proceeding.