Recent changes to Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will significantly impact both current foreign workers and those seeking employment to support their Permanent Residency applications. Key updates include refusing to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in high-unemployment regions, capping low-wage TFWs at 10% of a company’s workforce, and limiting work permits for low-wage positions to one year.

The Government of Canada has approved Quebec's request to temporarily suspend new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions in the Montreal economic region, effective September 3, 2024. This six-month freeze targets employers offering wages below Quebec's median hourly wage of $27.47. Key exceptions include jobs outside the Montreal area, those paying higher wages, and certain industries like agriculture and health.

In this blog post, we delve into the changes to the SOWP program and explore potential future trends. Will there be more restrictions, or will we see more relaxed eligibility requirements for the spouses of international students in the future?

These are the things that all Canadian employers with foreign workers should do to avoid any challenges down the road.

All you need to know about the New Pilot Program to Enhance Canadian Work Permit Processing for Filipinos.

All you need to know about the new Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).

When a Temporary Foreign Worker does not report to work without explanation and there is evidence suggesting he/she does not intend to return you may need to report TFW as missing

Learn more about the new Recognized Employer Portal announced by ESDC on August 8, 2023, and how it can streamline LMIA application process for some Canadian Employers

New occupations will become eligible and ineligible for Express Entry and the Atlantic Immigration Program. The five groups of the NOC system - NOC 0, A, B, C, and D will change to six groups under TEER – a new classification system that recognizes an individual’s Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility.

Jobs for immigrants - all you need to know about Job Offers in Canada

While many temporary foreign workers have been left without employment income, some are also unable to return home due to travel restrictions in their country. Fortunately, the Canadian Employment Insurance Benefit program may be available to help foreign workers survive temporarily through these stressful and uncertain times.

Are you trying to enter Canada or are you already in Canada with temporary status? Do you need a visitor visa or a study permit or a work permit? Can you show a temporary intent?