The Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been shifted significantly in relation to labour shortages. In line with changing dynamics in the labour market and dwindling job vacancies, the Government is refining its program to ensure that it matches the need for availability of domestic workers for the roles.
Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages announced that some time specific provisions outlined in TFW Program Workforce Solutions Road Map will end ahead of schedule starting from this spring.
What does TFWP mean?
TFWP, meaning Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a Canadian initiative that allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in the case of inadequate local man power. By doing this, it will help reduce temporary labour shortages in particular industries or regions. In order to employ foreign workers using TFWP, employers must meet specific requirements such as obtaining an LMIA which stands for Labor Market Impact Assessment, which shows that there will be no negative effects on the market of jobs for Canadians. It is run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which has oversight over it.
Do you know what is an LMIA?
The acronym for LMIA is Labor Market Impact Assessment. It plays an important role in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) of Canada. This is an evaluation done by the authorities regarding employers’ attempt to employ foreign workers on a temporary basis as a result of unavailability of local labourers for filling up job vacancies. What the LMIA does, therefore, is prove that bringing in foreign employees will not affect Canadian employment situation. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are responsible for overseeing TFWP, which encompasses LMIA issuance.
Beginning from May 1st, 2024:
Shortened Validity: The new six-month validity period of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will ensure real-time alignment with labour market needs.
Workforce Quotas: Employers listed on the Workforce Solutions Road Map for 2022 will have a reduction in the percentage of their total workforce eligible for recruitment through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that is reduced from thirty percent to twenty percent under the low-wage stream, except for the construction and healthcare sectors.
Exhaustive Recruitment: An LMIA application must be a last resort after all other possibilities have been exhausted, including considering asylum seekers with valid work permits who are already in Canada.
Wage Review Requirement: Employers must review wages for temporary foreign workers annually since January 1st, 2024 following which it should match prevailing wage rates for the relevant occupation and region. This measure is meant to create wage parity throughout the period of employment. Usually this leads to increases; no decreases are allowed after they have been reviewed.
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Quick Facts:
The Workforce Solutions Road Map of 2022 aimed at seven sectors, namely Food Manufacturing, Wood Product Manufacturing, Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing, Accommodation and Food Services, Construction, Hospitals, and Nursing and Residential Care Facilities.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a response to the labour market fluctuations that fill in short term labour and skill gaps when local workforce options are limited.
Budget 2022 promised to establish another agriculture and fish processing foreign worker program which would ensure stable supply of labour thus strengthening workers’ protection.
Budget 2021 provided $49.5 million over three years for a new Migrant Worker Support Program aimed at improving support mechanisms for temporary foreign workers, mitigating employer-worker power imbalances.
How Can We Assist You?
At VisaAffix, our success hinges on adhering to rigorous processes, embracing industry best practices, maintaining transparency, fostering mutual trust, and fostering intense collaboration between our clients and our team.
With our specialized knowledge in navigating the intricate procedures of obtaining an LMIA, we can simplify the application process and enhance the chances of success. We offer thorough guidance, starting from evaluating eligibility to compiling essential documentation. Our experienced team ensures precise and efficient fulfilment of all requirements, saving applicants time and easing the burden associated with the LMIA process.