The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers the ability to temporarily hire foreign nationals in order to fill shortages in Canada’s labour force. The TFWP is jointly operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- New Permanent Immigration Pathway:The EMPP, which connects skilled refugees and displaced persons with Canadian employers, will be expanded into a new, broader permanent residence program.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Updates:
- Increased Wage Thresholds: As of June 27, 2025, most provinces have increased the wage thresholds for employers and foreign nationals applying under the TFWP. This impacts which stream of the TFWP foreign nationals are eligible for and affects employers’ ability to obtain Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
- Wage Threshold Examples: For example, in British Columbia, the wage threshold increased from $34.62 to $36.60 per hour, according to CIC News. In Ontario, the threshold increased from $34.07 to $36.00 per hour.
- Employer Compliance: The TFWP includes measures to verify and ensure employer compliance with program requirements, with consequences for non-compliance.
- Recognized Employer Pilot: This pilot program offers longer LMIA validity periods (up to 36 months) and simplified applications for employers who have been recognized as reliable.
- Other notable changes:
- Open Work Permits for Family Members: As of January 21, 2025, only select spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled workers are eligible for open work permits under this measure.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Eligible IEC applicants already in Canada can have their work permits mailed to a Canadian address, without needing to leave the country, from May 6, 2025, to December 1, 2025, provided they meet certain criteria.
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