CHANGES TO TEMP. FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM

Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is well underway.

In February 2022, Canada added 337,000 jobs

To support Canada’s continued economic growth, Govt. of Canada announced Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map

• High-Wage and GTS - 2 year to 3 year WPs 
• Seasonal Cap Exemption - 180 days to 270 days 
• 10% Cap now 30% Cap for 7 Sectors, 20% for everyone else 
• Refusal To Process LMIA’s for Accom. and Food Services lifted in 6% regions 
• Approved LMIAs valid for 18 months
• Encouraging Employers to submit LMIA applications online 

Quick Facts: 

The TFW Program allows employers in Canada to hire a foreign worker when no Canadians or permanent residents are available.

The Canadian labour market is tighter than before the pandemic and the job vacancy rate reached an historic peak in the 3^rd quarter of 2021. Much of the unmet demand is in low-wage occupations and, according to Statistics Canada:

• Accommodation and Food Services – 130,070 vacancies
• Health Care and Social Assistance – 119,590 vacancies
• Retail Trade – 103,990 vacancies
• Manufacturing –  81,775 vacancies

In 2021, the TFW Program approved approximately 5,000 positions under the Global Talent Stream and 23,000 positions in the High-Wage stream. Together, these programs represent approximately 21% of all approved LMIA positions for that year.

Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 foreign agricultural workers come to work in Canada each year, which accounts for more than 60% of all foreign workers entering Canada under the TFW Program.

“Throughout the pandemic, our government has ensured the safe arrival and priority processing of work permits for temporary foreign workers who were essential in supporting us on the front lines. Now, as we begin to recover from the pandemic and look to fill remaining job vacancies, we will continue to make our Temporary Foreign Worker Program more accessible, efficient and agile to support employers who are looking to staff up and grow their operations.” 

– Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser