Canada has introduced important updates to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that directly affect employers and foreign workers planning to work in the country. These changes aim to better balance labor market needs while protecting opportunities for Canadian workers.
Updates:
- LMIA Validity: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will only be good for 6 months from May onwards. It was raised to 18 months during COVID-19, but it was recently lowered to 12 months.
- Lower Wage Cap: From May on, few low-wage foreign workers will be allowed to work in some fields. It goes back to 20% after going up by 30% for a short time.
Exemption:
- Agriculture & Seasonal Work: The cap exemption for agriculture and seasonal businesses remains.
- Construction & Healthcare: Up to 30% of low-wage foreign workers can still work in construction and health care.
Impact on Employers:
- The goal of these changes is to find a middle ground between the needs of Canadian workers and the goals of immigration.
- When trying to hire and recruit foreign workers, employers should keep these changes in mind.
How to Work in Canada as a Foreigner?
There are several ways for foreigners to get a work permit in Canada, including:
- Through an Employer: A lot of companies will hire foreign workers who can bring needed skills or who want to live in the country permanently.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Programs: These programs allow temporary work in specific sectors.
- International Mobility Programs: These programs facilitate work exchanges and internships.
- Economic Immigration Programs: These programs give work permits that can lead to legal residence.
Work Permit:
- It can be hard to get a work permit in Canada.
- For most jobs, foreigners need a work permit, a relief from the work permit requirement, or permanent residency status.
- Each choice has its own set of standards for who can apply and how.
Read Also: Unskilled Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada
Employer LMIA & Job Offer:
Employers may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to help them apply for a work permit.
Employers may also need to make a job offer in order for someone to get permanent residency.
Conclusion:
The Canadian government just made some changes to the TFWP to make it easier to handle temporary residents and meet the needs of the job market. Employers and workers from other countries need to know about these changes so they can follow the rules and take advantage of the new possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
The TFWP is a Canadian government program that allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor and skill shortages.
What are the recent changes to the TFWP?
Some important changes are that the LMIA is now only valid for 6 months, the wage cap for low-wage foreign workers in some fields has been lowered, and exemptions for agriculture, seasonal work, building, and healthcare have not changed.
