Important Updates
Important Updates
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: EB-3 Immigrant Visa Category Unavailable Through September 30 After Reaching Annual Limit for FY 2025
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: EB-3 Immigrant Visa Category Unavailable Through September 30 After Reaching Annual Limit for FY 2025
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Reforms to Temporary Foreign Worker Program Announced Today

June 20, 2014

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Employment Minister Jason Kenney and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced long-awaited reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The reforms, which have been in development over the past two years, are primarily focused on low-skilled, low-wage occupations, but they will also increase the government’s investigative and enforcement powers. The reforms take effect immediately. 

Reorganization of Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

The current Foreign Worker Program is being split into two groups: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (previously known as the Labor Market Opinion process) and will be administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); and the International Mobility Program that will be administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). 

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

Today’s announcement of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) primarily focused on low-skilled, low-wage occupations. The program will be subject to stringent requirements to ensure employers give Canadian workers preference, with foreign workers considered a last and limited resort to fill vacant positions. 

Wage levels are replacing the National Occupation Classification as the main criterion for administering the TFWP by distinguishing between “high-” and “low-” wage workers. 

The Labor Market Opinion is being replaced by the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as the screening mechanism for employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers. The LMIA will require that employers provide information on the number of Canadians who applied for the position to be filled by the foreign worker, the number of Canadians interviewed, and an explanation as to why each was not hired. The LMIA fee is C$ 1,000, a considerable increase from the LMO fee of C$275. 

With limited exceptions, employers seeking to hire high-wage temporary foreign workers will now be required to submit transition plans to demonstrate how they will increase efforts to hire Canadians, for example, through higher wages, investments in training, and more active recruitment from within Canada. 

Beginning this fall, ESDC will publish data regarding the names of corporations that receive positive LMIAs. 

The International Mobility Program 

The International Mobility Program includes the Intracompany Transferee category and entry processes issued under free trade agreements and is exempt from the LMIA requirement, based on the competitive advantages and reciprocal benefits that Canadians are afforded in other countries. 

Under this program, employers must include job offers in its applications. The program will be subject to a new compliance monitoring program, which will be funded by the addition of a $230 work permit fee. “Open” work permits will be subject to an extra $100 in fees. 

Previously announced changes to intracompany transferee processing standards will apply to the International Mobility Program. 

Increased Enforcement Powers and Potential Penalties 

Both ESDC and CIC will be empowered to ensure employers comply with rules under both new temporary work programs. One out of four businesses will be inspected each year for immigration program compliance. The government will have expanded authority to blacklist employers who have been suspended and are under investigation. Monetary fines will be increased to up to C$100,000 or five years’ imprisonment. 

What This Means for Employers 

Today’s announcements primarily affect employers recruiting foreign nationals for low-skill, low-wage occupations. However, the underlying message from ESDC and CIC is that any employer that abuses its foreign national workforce will be subject to increased compliance and enforcement and to increased sanctions. 

How Can Fragomen Assist 

Fragomen can assist clients with assessing requirements for work permits across Canada and can also assist with preparing and filing work permit applications. We are reviewing the newly announced reforms and will provide additional updates as the government provides new information on the changes. 

Fragomen can also assist with advice and support on compliance and record-keeping obligations, and will continue to monitor any communications released by the government about compliance matters. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

© 2009 - 2015 © Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.