Changes Announced to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
On August 26, 2024, Minister Randy Boissonnault announced new measures to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada. The changes are aimed at addressing the misuse and fraud within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and will take effect by September 26, 2024.
The Government of Canada will refuse to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Low-Wage stream in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. Exceptions will be made for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors, construction, and healthcare.
Employers will be limited to hiring no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW Program, a reduction from the previous cap of 20%. This limit applies to the Low-Wage stream, with exceptions for specific sectors including food security, healthcare, and construction.
The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced from two years to one year.
The Government of Canada will continue to monitor labour market conditions and may introduce further adjustments to the TFW Program as needed. A review of the Program will be conducted within the next 90 days, which could result in changes to the High-Wage Stream and other LMIA applications.
