In June 2014 the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) was completely revamped. The aim of the overhaul was to ensure that the TFWP is only used as a last resort to fill labour shortages on a temporary basis.
A summary of the changes are outlined below:
• The Labour Market Opinion is being replaced by the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as the screening tool for Canadian employers desiring to hire temporary foreign workers.
• LMIA-exempt foreign workers will now be part of newly formed International Mobility Programs (IMPs).
• A more robust system will be implemented to monitor employers of temporary foreign workers and employers of LMIA-exempt foreign workers.
• Stronger enforcement and tougher penalties for employers who break the rules will be implemented.
• New processing fees will be introduced.
