Temporary Foreign Worker Program Up for Review

Canada

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee, which may lead to the removal of restrictions in key industries such as tourism, seasonal businesses and the service sector, among other changes. The implementation of an easier citizenship pathway for certain foreign workers may also be examined, according to the announcement by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Past Temporary Foreign Worker Program Reforms

Previous TFWP reforms, implemented in light of higher unemployment levels and economic difficulties in certain sectors, were aimed at reducing Canada’s reliance on foreign workers, and included the following measures:

• A more comprehensive and rigorous labour market test;
• A prohibition on hiring foreign workers in regions of high unemployment; and
• A rule limiting low-wage foreign workers to 10% of a company's workforce.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

A review of the TFWP could have varying impacts across Canada and in certain economic sectors. Fragomen will send further updates as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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