The biggest changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in 2024 – a year in review.

Table of content

  1. Introduction
  2. Reduction in LMIA Validity
  3. Visitors No Longer Able to Apply for Work Permits from Within Canada
  4. Suspension of Processing of Low-Wage LMIAs
  5. Reduction of Employment Duration for Low-Wage Stream
  6. Lowering of Workforce Caps for Low-Wage Stream
  7. Attestations No Longer Accepted
  8. Increase of Wage Requirements for High-Wage Stream
  9. Annual Targets Established for TFWP Work Permits
  10. Future Changes Proposed by CIMM
  11. Conclusion

Major Updates to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2024

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) underwent several significant changes throughout 2024. These updates aim to balance the needs of employers and Canada’s economic priorities while ensuring fair treatment for foreign workers. If you are considering Canada immigration or seeking advice from the best immigration consultant in Delhi/NCR, this blog will provide you with detailed insights into the latest changes. Wave Immigration Consultant is here to guide you through these updates.

Reduction in LMIA Validity

As of May 1, 2024, the validity of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) has been reduced from 12 months to six months. This rollback, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, aligns with pre-pandemic norms. However, employers participating in the Recognized Employer Pilot program remain exempt from this change.

Visitors No Longer Able to Apply for Work Permits from Within Canada

On August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for job-offer supported work permits from within Canada. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this measure required many visitors to leave Canada before applying for work permits.

Suspension of Processing of Low-Wage LMIAs

Effective September 26, 2024, the Canadian government stopped processing LMIAs for the Low-Wage stream in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates of 6% or higher. Exceptions apply to industries such as agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare. Quebec also implemented similar measures for low-wage positions in CMAs with high unemployment rates.

Reduction of Employment Duration for Low-Wage Stream

The maximum duration of employment for workers under the Low-Wage stream has been reduced from two years to one year, effective September 26, 2024. This change reflects the government’s efforts to regulate temporary foreign worker employment more strictly.

Lowering of Workforce Caps for Low-Wage Stream

Caps on the proportion of low-wage workers a business can employ through the TFWP were revised as follows:

  • On May 1, 2024, the cap returned to 20%, with exceptions for the construction and healthcare sectors (30%).
  • On September 26, 2024, the cap was further reduced to 10% for most sectors and 20% for construction and healthcare.

Attestations No Longer Accepted

Starting October 28, 2024, employers are no longer permitted to use attestations from lawyers, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs), or financial institution officials as proof of providing goods or services. Employers must now present alternative documentation.

Increase of Wage Requirements for High-Wage Stream

On November 8, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) increased the minimum hourly wage requirements for the high-wage stream. Candidates must now earn at least 20% more than the regional median wage or meet the wage range for similar positions within the employer’s organization.

Annual Targets Established for TFWP Work Permits

For the first time, the Immigration Levels Plan 2024 introduced specific targets for TFWP admissions. The goal is to issue 82,000 net new TFWP work permits annually from 2025 to 2027. This aligns with Canada’s strategy to reduce temporary resident levels as a proportion of the population.

Future Changes Proposed by CIMM

In 2024, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) recommended further changes to the TFWP, reflecting ongoing government efforts to refine the program. These recommendations aim to enhance transparency and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The updates to the TFWP in 2024 reflect Canada’s evolving immigration landscape. If you’re planning Canada immigration, consulting experts like Wave Immigration Consultant can simplify the process. As the best immigration consultant in Delhi/NCR, we provide tailored guidance to navigate these complex changes and achieve your immigration goals.

Visit- Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building No. 5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane No. 2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030.


https://wavevisas.com/canada-immigration




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sweden Offers 2 Million SEK Grant for International Researchers — Apply Now!

Image
Table of Contents Overview: Sweden’s Big Boost for Global Researchers What is the 2 Million SEK Grant All About? Who Can Apply for the Swedish Research Grant? What Does the Grant Cover? Key Dates to Remember How Wave Visas Immigration Helps You Final Words 1. 🌍 Overview: Sweden’s Big Boost for Global Researchers In a significant move to promote international talent, the  Swedish Research Council  has announced a  2 million kronor (SEK) grant  for researchers outside of Europe. This grant is designed to attract highly skilled professionals and support them during their research journey in Sweden. This initiative is another step by the Swedish government to  promote innovation, research, and global academic collaboration  — and it’s a golden opportunity for researchers worldwide, especially from non-EU countries. 2. 💰 What is the 2 Million SEK Grant All About? This grant, valued at  2 million Swedish kronor (approx. for 12 months) , is designed to supp...
Read more

Australia Launches $100 Million Program to Empower Women in STEM.

Image
Table of Contents Overview of the $100 Million STEM Initiative Who Funded the Donation? Why Women in STEM Need Support How the Program Will Work Future of STEM in Australia Opportunities for International Students How Wave Visas Immigration Can Help Final Thoughts 1. Overview of the $100 Million STEM Initiative In a historic move, the University of Sydney has received an extraordinary $100 million donation aimed at boosting the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) across Australia. This generous funding will help reduce the gender gap and encourage more young women to pursue STEM careers from high school through to higher education. 2. Who Funded the Donation? The transformative gift was made by the Khuda Family Foundation , founded by tech entrepreneur Robin Khuda . Known for creating the tech company AirTrunk , Khuda sold the business to Blackstone for $24 billion in 2024—one of the biggest data center deals globally. He is now using that suc...
Read more

Canada Raises Federal Minimum Wage to $17.75 Starting April 2025.

Image
Table of Contents Introduction What’s New in 2025? Why the Wage Increase Matters Who Does the New Wage Apply To? Canada Federal Wage Growth Over the Years What This Means for Indian Immigrants How Wave Visas Can Help You Immigrate to Canada Final Thoughts 1. Introduction If you're planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025, here's a big update you should know— Canada has increased its federal minimum wage to $17.75 per hour , effective from April 1, 2025 . This is a significant change, especially for newcomers and foreign workers looking to settle in Canada with better job prospects and financial stability. 2. What’s New in 2025? The Canadian government has announced a 2.4% increase in the federal minimum wage , taking it from $17.30 in 2024 to $17.75 per hour in 2025 . This update aligns with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) , ensuring wages keep up with inflation. 3. Why the Wage Increase Matters The new wage hike is a step toward improving the quality of life for workers in fede...
Read more