Changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Visa: Key Info for Migrants

By Visa Jobs CanadaSeptember 12, 2025September 12, 2025Policy & Government AnnouncementsCanada immigration, employer insights, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, visa sponsorship, work permits

Overview of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program Changes

The Canadian government is making notable changes to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows employers to hire foreign nationals. This program is evolving to better match economic needs and regional labour market conditions. Recently, several adjustments have been implemented, with more on the way, aimed at refining how the program works.

Understanding the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Initially, employers must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before a foreign worker can receive a work permit. This is essentially a form of approval from the government that demonstrates the need for hiring a foreign national. Recently, this process has become stricter to reduce the number of foreign workers in areas experiencing high local unemployment rates.

A Focused Approach to Key Sectors

Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasised that the TFWP should focus on specific, strategic sectors, especially in regions facing critical workforce demands. Although specific details are still under wraps, the aim is to direct foreign worker intake to where it’s genuinely needed.

In fact, the government plans to limit TFWP admissions to 82,000 new permits by 2025. Additionally, a temporary ban on LMIA processing for low-wage jobs has been instated in regions with unemployment rates over 6%. This means employers in those areas can’t hire temporary foreign workers for lower-paying roles.

New Wage Thresholds and Workforce Caps

The wage threshold for high-wage positions has seen an increase, now requiring a salary of at least 20% above the regional median wage. This adjustment is meant to ensure that foreign workers are not undercutting local wages while filling genuine gaps. Furthermore, there are now caps on the percentage of a company’s workforce that can be hired through the TFWP. These limits differ by industry and region, encouraging businesses to prioritise Canadian talent.

Updates to Spousal Open Work Permits

There are also new restrictions regarding spousal open work permits (SOWPs), which allow spouses of foreign workers to work while in Canada. Now, these permits are only available to spouses of workers in higher-skilled occupations (TEER 0 or 1) and specifically selected in-demand TEER 2 and 3 jobs. It’s also necessary for the principal TFWP holder to have at least 16 months left on their work permit for their spouse to be eligible.

Trends in Work Permit Issuances

According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), there has been a sharp decline in the number of work permits issued. From January to June 2025, permit issuances dropped by 50% compared to the same period last year, amounting to only 33,722 new TFWP permits granted.

Political Reactions and Criticism

These changes have sparked criticism from opposition parties, particularly from Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, who argues that the program limits job opportunities for Canadians. He has even called for its complete abolition.

What Does This Mean for International Job Seekers?

For international job seekers considering a move to Canada, these changes reflect the government’s intention to better align foreign worker programs with actual labour market needs. If you’re interested in career opportunities that offer visa sponsorship, exploring sectors where there is genuine demand can enhance your chances of securing a job and navigating the Express Entry process smoothly.

Our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. If you’re considering a move, we recommend regularly checking job listings to find positions that not only suit your skills but also align with regions that are now prioritising foreign hires.

These recent adjustments may seem complex, but staying informed can significantly aid your search. Whether you’re looking into permanent residency (PR) options or exploring visa sponsorship paths, understanding the Canadian job market is the first step toward a successful transition.