Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Government of Canada announced further adjustments to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. Starting September 26, 2024, the following changes will take effect:

  • The Government of Canada will refuse to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Low-Wage stream, applicable in areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. Exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing and fish processing), as well as construction and healthcare;
  • Employers will be allowed to hire no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW Program. This maximum employment percentage will be applied to the Low-Wage stream and is a further reduction from the March 2024 reduction. Exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing and fish processing), as well as healthcare and construction; and
  • The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced to one year.