Last Updated on October 31, 2023
Key Points
- Canada introduced an extension to its Workforce Solutions Road Map and introduced new wage requirements under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Overview
The government of Canada introduced an extension to its Workforce Solutions Road Map and introduced new wage requirements under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map aims to help employers fill job vacancies in the wake of labor shortages. The extension will ensure the following conditions remain in place until 30 August 2024:
- Continuing to allow employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labor shortages to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFW Program for positions under the provincial or territorial median hourly wage;
- Maintaining the maximum duration of employment for positions under the provincial or territorial median hourly wage at up to two years; and
- Adjusting the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) validity period from the current 18-month maximum to a maximum of 12 months to better respond to the labor market.
Along with these temporary measures, employers will be required to review TFW’s wages beginning 1 January 2024 annually. This requirement aims to ensure that wages reflect increases to prevailing wage rates for their given occupation and region of work.
To check the prevailing wage, employers must visit https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis. National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes must be indicated under the job title section and the location of employment that was listed on the work permit application. From there, the next page will provide a Wages tab, and the prevailing wage that must be met or exceeded would be the median wage listed for the specific region.
Envoy Global’s Canada Immigration team can help advise employers on NOC codes and prevailing wage requirements.
What are the Changes?
The Canadian government extended its Workforce Solutions Road Map and introduced new wage requirements under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. According to the announcement, these changes better reflect the current labor market conditions throughout Canada.
Periodic wage increases ensure that employers continue to pay temporary foreign workers at the prevailing wage level. These measures will remain in place until 30 August 2024.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
