What the Recent Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program May Mean For You

By Michael Niren July 4, 2015 2 min. read
temporary Foreign Worker Program

temporary Foreign Worker Program

As an employer or potential employee, knowing the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program could be a huge benefit.  These changes will impact how employers hire and compensate potential foreign hires and highlight the details of how quickly someone from outside the country can begin to work.

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Tweaks to TWFP came into effect on April 30th, 2015.  The changes aren’t significant to employers as long as they’re still correctly applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments.   The main detail to always factor in is that wages stay within wage streams of the Assessment (LMIA) and that the compensation lines up with the occupation in that part of Canada.

The LMIA application is a hefty one.  It collates a number of statistics including the number of citizen applicants, the number of offers or job postings and even the number of applicants that don’t qualify.  This is as much in the best interest of applicants as it is employers.

Once the LMIA is authorized by Employment and Social Development Canada, wages and the average hourly rate offered by employers are compared by territory or region.  Filtering by skill level is no longer a part of the TWFP; instead employers can categorize temporary foreign workers by meeting requirements for compensation either below their provincial median hourly wage or above the median wage.  This is for low wage and high wage positions respectively.

TWFP in Quebec

There is an exception in the province of Quebec where certain jobs and positions are a ‘facilitated process’.  This means that employers are not obligated to attempt hiring locally.  Another exception is for occupations that compensate well or are in high-demand.  Employers for these positions can be provided with a 10 business day hiring service for foreign workers.

Determining Eligibility for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Another important detail for employers to know is that as of April 30th, the TWFP uses unemployment rates according to region to determine which employers are eligible to send in LMIAs for low-wage, low-skill jobs such as those in the hospitality, retail and food services sectors.  Applications for positions in these job sectors won’t be processed if unemployment in that region is in excess of 6%.

The difference between low-wage streams and high-wage streams is mostly about protecting the local economy.  Low-wage foreign workers won’t need transition plans but Canadians must always be considered first.  These businesses have a cap on temporary foreign workers hired in addition to the unemployment rate restriction mentioned above.

Employers hiring abroad for high-wage positions must submit transition plans, the LMIA and proof to illustrate a reduced need for temporary foreign workers long-term.  The key is to remember that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is used to solve immediate labour shortages and only when there are no qualified Canadians available.

Interested in Applying for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Often, employment and business opportunities are time sensitive and for that reason having a legal representative in Canada with expertise in the area of temporary foreign worker program is the most efficient way to proceed. At Visaplace, we have helped thousands of people immigrate to Canada to work, study, visit, and we can help you, too.

Getting started is easy, simply fill out our FREE immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.