Canada Considers Stricter Visa Rules as Work Permits Drop 50%
The Canadian government is looking to make important changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which helps employers bring foreign nationals into Canada. Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the need for a more targeted approach during a Liberal caucus meeting in Edmonton, emphasizing that the program should focus on specific sectors and regional needs. While he confirmed that work is underway to refine the TFWP, no further details were shared, according to reports.
Before a work permit can be granted under the TFWP, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment ensures that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact job opportunities for Canadian citizens. Over the past year, however, there have been tighter restrictions on this program. Some political leaders, like Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, have called for its abolition, believing it takes jobs away from Canadians.
In the last 18 months, the federal government set a target of 82,000 net new TFWP admissions by 2025. They also imposed a moratorium on processing low-wage LMIA applications in areas where unemployment exceeds 6%. Additionally, the wage threshold for high-wage positions has been increased to 20% above the regional median, and there have been limitations on the percentage of a company’s workforce that can be hired through the TFWP.
Recently, changes have also been introduced regarding spousal open work permits (SOWPs). These permits are now exclusively available to spouses of workers employed in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or in select in-demand TEER 2 and 3 roles, as long as the original TFWP holder still has at least 16 months left on their permit.
Statistics indicate that these new measures are having an effect: between January and June 2025, there was a significant 50% drop in work permit issuances compared to the previous year, with only 33,722 new TFWP permits granted during this timeframe.
For international job seekers looking to work in Canada, these developments are important to consider. If you’re interested in finding job opportunities that also offer visa sponsorship, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, is dedicated to listing Canadian jobs that are open to international applicants. Every job posting includes information about visa support, making your job search a bit easier.
Navigating the Canadian job market as an international applicant can seem daunting due to these changes, but understanding the landscape can help you make smarter decisions. Whether you’re considering permanent residency (PR) or looking to secure work permits in Canada, staying informed about the TFWP and its regulations is crucial.
As you explore options, remember that Canada’s immigration policies are continuously evolving, and staying up-to-date can make a difference in your job search strategy. If you’re looking for specific roles that offer pathways to sponsored employment, you’ll want to keep an eye on sectors that frequently need skilled workers, like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
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