The Writing is On the Wall

Another day another announcement pertaining to restrictions to immigration and in particular to temporary residents. 

The writing has been on the wall for some time now: more changes are coming to Canadian immigration policy, particularly affecting temporary residents and admissions.

Earlier this month, Minister Randy Boissonnault met with top business associations to emphasize that the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program should not replace hiring Canadians. The government is saying that despite them throwing the doors wide open on TFW numbers they are now serious on cracking down on misuse and fraud within the system with the following actions:

 

Enforcing the 20% cap policy for TFWs, including stricter guidelines for those applying for permanent residency.

Implementing rigorous oversight in high-risk areas for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and inspections.

Considering LMIA fee increases for better integrity and processing activities.

Exploring future regulatory changes, like minimum business operation years or lay-off history, for employer eligibility.

 

Minister Boissonnault is also considering refusing to process under the low wage stream, potentially restricting TFW Program use in certain areas and industries. A new foreign labour stream for Agriculture and Fish & Seafood Processing is also in the works, as per Budget 2022.

 

These steps follow previous steps that have increased employer inspections and increased fines by 36% in 2023–2024. While most employers use the program correctly, further measures will protect the Canadian labour market and hold violators accountable.

 

That may be akin to shutting the stable doors after the horses have bolted.

 

This announcement further reflects the Government's signaling as to upcoming restrictions to the TFW Program and more signs of restrictions on temporary resident numbers and admissions are on the horizon.