Changes to Canada’s immigration rules are impacting how businesses hire foreign workers, especially through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Here’s a quick guide to what’s new and how it might affect you.
New TFWP Rules:
Starting September 26, 2024, the Canadian government is tightening rules for low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, particularly in areas with high unemployment (6% or more). Key sectors like agriculture, construction, and healthcare are exempt.
Key changes include:
- Companies can now only hire up to 10% of their workforce as low-wage foreign workers (down from 20%).
- Employment under the low-wage stream is now capped at one year, reduced from two years.
These changes aim to protect Canadian jobs but won’t affect you if your wages are above the low-wage threshold or if you’re in a low-unemployment area.
Quebec’s Update:
Quebec has also paused low-wage LMIA applications in Montreal for six months, except for essential sectors like agriculture, construction, education, and healthcare.
What This Means for Employers:
The evolving rules suggest more controls on foreign labor, so staying updated is crucial. If these changes might affect you, or you have questions, reach out to us.
