Canada to Revise Temporary Foreign Worker Visa Program

By Visa Jobs CanadaSeptember 11, 2025September 11, 2025Policy & Government AnnouncementsCanada immigration, immigration policy, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, visa sponsorship, work permits

The Canadian government is currently making changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows employers to hire foreign nationals. This program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document that verifies whether hiring a foreign worker will negatively impact the Canadian job market, before a work permit can be issued. Recently, there have been several restrictions in an effort to limit its use.

During a recent address, Prime Minister Mark Carney shared that the program should focus on specific sectors and needs across different regions of Canada. Although he confirmed that the government is working on these objectives, specific details are still forthcoming.

The TFWP has faced criticism from the opposition, particularly from Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who argues that it diminishes job opportunities for Canadians. He has even called for the program’s abolition, suggesting that Canada should prioritize its own workforce.

In the last 18 months, Ottawa has enacted measures that target 82,000 net new admissions under the TFWP for 2025. Furthermore, there’s now a pause on processing low-wage LMIA applications in areas with an unemployment rate higher than 6%. To make the program more beneficial, the wage threshold for high-wage roles has been raised to 20% above the regional median, and limits on the percentage of the workforce in a company that can participate in the program have been tightened.

Changes also affect spousal open work permits (SOWPs). These permits are now limited to spouses of workers in TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) 0 or 1 occupations, or selected in-demand TEER 2 and 3 jobs, requiring that the TFWP holder has at least 16 months remaining on their permit.

According to government data, there was a notable decline in work permit issuances between January and June 2025, dropping by 50% compared to the previous year. During this time, only 33,722 net new TFWP permits were granted.

If you’re looking at moving to Canada and exploring job opportunities, especially those that come with visa sponsorship, it’s crucial to keep an eye on these changes. Our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, specifically focuses on Canadian jobs that offer visa support to international applicants, making the transition a bit smoother for you.

Understanding how the TFWP and its regulations work can greatly assist you in your journey towards obtaining a job and, potentially, permanent residency (PR). You may also want to consider the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate individuals for PR based on their skills and experience—the possibilities are quite diverse!

If you’re preparing to enter the Canadian job market, research your field’s NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes, as they relate to the requirements set by the TFWP and other immigration pathways.

All in all, while changes in immigration and work policies can feel daunting, they’re part of a broader aim to refine how Canada welcomes skilled workers. Stay informed, remain adaptable, and leverage helpful resources like VisaJobsCanada.com as you navigate this landscape.