Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Canada Ends TFW Program Wage Assessment
Canada has made big changes to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
They stopped checking wages and will now process work permits using something called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This LMIA shows that no Canadian worker is available for the job.
The new rules start on September 26, 2024.
Some jobs, like those in food, healthcare, and construction, are exceptions.
In Montreal, there's a temporary freeze on low-wage foreign workers.
The goal is to make sure Canadian workers get jobs first and to stop misuse of the program.
Canada has ended the wage assessment under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Work permit applications will now be processed under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
New rules for the TFWP are effective September 26, 2024, including a 10% cap on low-wage foreign workers.
A six-month freeze on low-wage TFW approvals in Montreal starts September 3, 2024.
The maximum employment duration for low-wage workers is reduced to one year.
- Who
- Canadian government and employers
- What
- End of wage assessment in TFWP, processing under LMIA
- When
- Effective September 26, 2024
- Where
- Canada, with specific rules for Montreal
- Why
- To prevent misuse and ensure Canadian workers are prioritized
- Program
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Key Change
- End of wage assessment
- New Process
- Work permits processed under LMIA
- Effective Date
- September 26, 2024
- LMIA Validity
- 6 months
- Low-Wage Stream Cap
- 10% of total workforce
- Maximum Employment Duration
- 1 year (Low-Wage stream)
- Montreal Freeze
- 6-month freeze on low-wage TFW approvals